Rainstorm Displaces Over 900 Pupils, Destroys Homes and Livelihoods in Ogun Community

A A devastating rainstorm has wreaked havoc in Iwopin Community, located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State, destroying homes, schools, public infrastructure and livelihoods, while displacing hundreds of residents, including more than 900 schoolchildren.

According to a Humanitarian Needs Assessment (HNA) report compiled by the Initiative for Education and Development and released on June 4, 2026, the coastal community suffered extensive damage following the storm, which left many families homeless and disrupted economic activities.

The assessment revealed that about 155 houses were partially or completely destroyed, with roofs blown off, walls collapsing and floodwaters inundating residential buildings. Residents affected by the disaster are currently taking refuge in churches, mosques and the homes of relatives.

Education was also severely impacted as over 900 pupils were displaced from learning. The report indicated that classrooms, roofs, windows, desks and instructional materials were damaged at several schools, including St. Peter Anglican Primary School, while the perimeter fence of St. Kizito's High School was completely destroyed. Other public and community schools in the area also suffered varying degrees of damage, leading to disruptions in academic activities.

The storm further damaged key public facilities, including the community town hall and health post. Gullies and erosion channels created by heavy runoff have rendered several access roads difficult to navigate.

Religious centres were not spared, with approximately 10 churches and mosques sustaining damage. Many of the affected buildings are now serving as temporary shelters for displaced residents.

The report also highlighted concerns over public health, noting that 10 water and sanitation facilities, including boreholes, wells and latrines, were either destroyed or contaminated by floodwaters, raising fears of potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea.

Livelihoods suffered major setbacks as the storm destroyed 102 economic trees and killed seven livestock. Farmlands and access routes to farms were also damaged by erosion.

Fishing, the major source of livelihood in the riverine community, was heavily affected. More than 200 fish brush parks (Iken), 20 canoes and two large fishing boats were reportedly swept away by strong waves generated during the storm.

Community leaders estimated that at least 47 women, 34 men and over 900 schoolchildren have been displaced, with women, young children, the elderly and persons living with disabilities identified as the most vulnerable groups.

The community has appealed to the Ogun Waterside Local Government, Ogun State Government, the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), non-governmental organisations, philanthropists and corporate organisations for urgent intervention.

Among the immediate needs identified are emergency shelter materials, food supplies, clean water, sanitation facilities, healthcare services, temporary learning centres and livelihood restoration support.

The community also expressed appreciation to the member representing Ogun Waterside Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Samsideen Lawal, for conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas.

Residents warned that with heavier rainfall projected in the coming months, swift intervention is necessary to prevent further displacement and hardship in the community.

To ensure effective coordination, all support and further information should be directed towards the community leader- The Liken of Iwopin, Oba Sunday Agbojo.