A wind and rainstorm has displaced more than 2,000 residents and damaged no fewer than 179 houses in three communities in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
The affected communities are Eroke Atte, Ukwa Erekpe and Okagba, where the disaster struck on February 1, 2026, at about 5pm, according to a preliminary assessment by the National Emergency Management Agency.
This was disclosed in a statement on the NEMA Edo Facebook handle on Monday.
In a report dated February 6, 2026, NEMA’s Benin Operations Office said it carried out a joint assessment of the affected areas alongside the Edo State Emergency Management Agency to determine the scale of destruction.
The National Emergency Management Agency, Benin Operations Office, in collaboration with the Edo State Emergency Management Agency, conducted a joint assessment to ascertain the extent of damage in communities affected by the wind and rainstorm in Akoko Edo Local Government Area,” the agency stated.
During the visit, the assessment team was received by the traditional ruler of the area, His Royal Highness Francis Daudu, and members of his executive council.
“The royal father welcomed the team and expressed appreciation for the timely intervention and visit to the affected communities,” the report noted.
Findings from the assessment revealed that 179 residential buildings were affected by the storm, impacting 337 households and a total of 2,022 persons.
“A total of 179 houses were affected, with 337 households impacted and 2,022 persons affected by the disaster,” NEMA said.
According to the agency, the most vulnerable victims were women and children, many of whom have been forced to seek refuge in neighbouring communities.
Affected persons, mostly women and children, are currently taking shelter with relatives in nearby communities,” the report added.
Beyond residential buildings, the disaster also damaged key public infrastructure, further worsening conditions for residents.
“Critical infrastructure, including about 12 electricity poles, were destroyed during the storm,” the agency stated.
It added that economic trees, a major source of livelihood for many residents, were also destroyed, while social facilities were not spared.
A primary school and a health care centre in the affected communities were also damaged by the windstorm,” the report said.
Concluding its preliminary findings, NEMA described the level of destruction as severe, noting that the affected communities urgently require humanitarian assistance.
“The level of destruction caused by the disaster is severe, and the affected people are in need of urgent assistance,” the agency stated.
NEMA said a more detailed assessment would be completed and forwarded to its management for further action.
“A comprehensive report using the approved template will be forwarded for management consideration,” the agency added
