27th April ,2025
Taiwo Ogunniyi
A heavy rainstorm on Saturday wreaked havoc at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, destroying key facilities and properties estimated to be worth millions of naira.
The devastating downpour, which began around 4:30 p.m., was accompanied by violent winds that ripped through several structures, disrupting camp activities and leaving a trail of destruction.
Speaking to journalist on Sunday the Kwara State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, described the incident as a “very devastating natural phenomenon,” but thanked God that no lives were lost.
“It’s a fact that a terrible rainstorm wrecked havoc at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Yikpata, Edu LGA of Kwara State. It happened around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, 26th April, 2025. Several camp facilities were destroyed,” Mr. Onifade said.
He listed the damaged facilities to include the Administrative Block, the Multipurpose Hall, the Camp Mosque, and the camp market, adding that some hostel blocks accommodating corps members and officials were also affected.
In a particularly frightening development, two vehicles belonging to camp officials were crushed after a large tree, uprooted by the strong winds, fell on them.
“A tree was uprooted and crushed two cars owned by camp officials,” he stated.
The Coordinator disclosed that an immediate assessment of the damage was carried out and relevant government authorities were alerted.
He further revealed that the Kwara State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Shehu Ndanusa Usman, visited the camp for an on-the-spot assessment. The Etsu of Tsaragi, HRH Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi, also visited to show solidarity with the NYSC family.
Despite the extent of destruction, Mr. Onifade stressed that the greatest relief was the safety of all corps members and staff.
“We have cause to thank God — no loss of life. The corps members are safe and well accommodated,” he said.
The NYSC management is expected to liaise with relevant agencies to ensure prompt repairs and restoration of normal activities at the camp.
