By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
There was a palpable sense of grief and uncertainty in Ayebode Ekiti as residents grappled with the aftermath of a devastating rainstorm that left homes destroyed and families displaced.
Amid the tears and loss, a message of solidarity came from the Ekiti State House of Assembly, led by its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye.
On Monday, Aribasoye led a delegation of lawmakers to the affected community, moving from the palace to the worst-hit areas to assess firsthand the extent of damage caused by the storm.
Roofs were torn off, properties were destroyed, and many residents were left counting their losses.
Addressing community members during the visit, the Speaker expressed deep sympathy over the incident, describing the situation as heartbreaking.
He assured victims that the Assembly shares in their pain and would work towards ensuring that necessary support reaches them.
“We are here not just to see things for ourselves, but to stand with you in this difficult time,” Aribasoye said, emphasizing the need for collective response to cushion the impact of the disaster.
In a gesture aimed at providing immediate relief, the Speaker made a donation to assist affected residents, noting that while the intervention may not fully replace what was lost, it would help ease the burden on victims.
Residents, visibly emotional, appreciated the visit and support, describing it as a timely intervention that brought hope in a moment of despair.
The incident has also received legislative attention, as the matter was raised on the floor of the House on Tuesday for deliberation.
Lawmakers are expected to push for urgent intervention measures and explore long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters across vulnerable communities in the state.