By Tijani Labaran
Rainstorm was reported to have wrecked havoc on Federal Polytechnic, Idah in kogi state, causing widespread destruction to property and buildings, as it last.
It was gathered that a devastating rain storm accompanied a down pour that lasted for hours on Wednesday, damaging roofs ,walls and window of several buildings in the school.
In the process, several lecture halls, laboratories and students’ hostels in the campus reportedly suffered heavy destruction, occasioned by the said rain storm.
The Rector of the federal polytechnic Idah, Dr Yakubu Usman, said that, “it was a terrifying experience for the Polytechnic at such a time as this. We are saddened by the high level of destruction caused by the storm.
Democracy in Nigeria: Dynasties are dangerous for democracy – Dr Alada, political scientist
“We are still assessing the damage to determine the financial implications of repairing and restoring the damaged facilities.
“So far, with the level of destruction, only Federal Government intervention can bring the institution out of this situation faster”.
Dr Usman added that the institution would do everything possible to provide the necessary support to the affected facilities for students to resume academic activities without delay .
Also, principal officers of the institution, Deputy Rector (Academics), Associate Professor Muhammad Yusuf, Director of Works and Services, the Director of Physical Planning and the Dean of Student Affairs, the President of the Student Union Government as well as other SUG executives noted that the wind storm was so strong that it ripped off roofs, uprooted trees, and shattered windows in the campus .
“The rain storm caused power outages and disrupted academic activities, especially in the departments affected by the storm. Hostel accommodations were also affected”, said Engr Fajilade Adeniyi, Director of Works and Services.
Several students bemoaned the fate that befell them by the devasting rain storm , urging authorities to do something drastic to restore smooth academic exercise shortly .
“It was devastating; majority of us never saw this coming. Some of us have been forced to stay at home for this natural disaster, which has destroyed very important facilities in the institution.
“We urged the institution management, governments and concerned citizens to come to our aide to reduce our staying at home”, said Sherifat Abubakar, an HND student .
