Properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed following a rainstorm that hit the National Youth Service Corps Orientation Camp in Yikpata, the Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Saturday.
While the storm caused extensive damage, no lives were lost, and corps members have been safely accommodated, officials confirmed.
The downpour, which began around 4:30 pm, was accompanied by violent winds that tore through key infrastructure at the camp, disrupting activities and damaging several facilities.
Confirming the incident Online on Sunday, the Kwara State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Onifade Olaoluwa, described the event as “a natural phenomenon” and “very devastating”.
He expressed gratitude that despite the scale of destruction, there was no loss of life.
“It’s a fact that a terrible rainstorm wreaked havoc at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Yikpata, Edu LGA of Kwara State. It happened around 4:30 pm, Saturday, 26th April, 2025. Several camp facilities were destroyed,” Onifade said.
He added, “The roof of the administrative block was destroyed, the multipurpose hall was partially affected, the camp mosque was impacted, and the camp market suffered considerable damage as well.
“Some hostel blocks housing corps members and officials were not spared either.”
He also confirmed that two vehicles belonging to camp officials were completely wrecked when a large tree, uprooted by the fierce winds, crashed onto them, adding, “A tree was uprooted and crushed two cars owned by camp officials.”
Onifade disclosed that he immediately conducted an assessment of the destruction and promptly notified relevant government authorities.
He also revealed that “the Kwara State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Shehu Ndanusa-Usman, visited the camp to conduct an on-site verification of the damage. The Etsu Tsaraji, HRH Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi also visited in solidarity with the NYSC community.”
He stated, “Despite the enormous material loss, the coordinator emphasised gratitude for the safety of all corps members and staff.
