In less than one hour, a violent rainstorm wreaked untold havoc on Shimankar community in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State, leaving destruction, fear, and despair in its trail. Over 50 buildings — including homes, schools, shops, and even a church filled with worshippers — were torn apart by raging winds and pounding rains, displacing scores of families and throwing the once-peaceful community into mourning.
For residents, the Sunday morning that began with cloudy skies and worship soon turned into a nightmare that will not be forgotten in a hurry.
“We ran out of the church in fear” — Resident
Narrating his ordeal, Mr. Henry Longyil, a farmer and longtime resident, described the storm as “disastrous and terrifying.”
“The storm started around 9 am as people were preparing for church. It began with heavy winds before the rains came, and in no time, roofs were flying off buildings. Within one hour, over 50 structures — homes, schools, churches, and shops — were destroyed. The Christ Apostolic Church was hit during service, forcing frightened congregants to run out, screaming for safety. It was a scary experience I will never forget,” he recounted.
Among the properties destroyed was one of Longyil’s houses, which he said had cost him nearly ₦5 million to build.
No Lives Lost, But Community Shaken
Remarkably, no lives were lost in the storm. But the destruction was widespread. Families were forced into the rain, watching helplessly as their homes crumbled. Some sought shelter in unaffected houses, while others picked through the debris of their belongings once the storm subsided.
“It felt like we were mourning. Many are now displaced, looking for where to stay. The people are devastated,” Longyil lamented.
The rainstorm also plunged the community into darkness by destroying solar-powered poles and panels — their only source of electricity. Only one line of poles survived the onslaught, leaving most residents without light.
Schools and Shops Count Losses
The storm did not spare learning institutions. According to Mrs. Philomena Raphael, headmistress of the Transferred Roman Catholic Mission Primary School, three classrooms — Primary 2, 3, and 4 — were severely damaged.
> “It was a long block of classrooms. The zinc roofs were ripped off, especially in Primary 3. Luckily, the children were on vacation, otherwise the story might have been worse,” she said.
Similarly, the Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School was also badly affected. Dozens of shops collapsed, crippling the livelihood of traders who depend on daily sales for survival.
Government Response: Yet to Deliver
So far, residents say government response has been limited to visits and inspections. Officials from the local council have come twice to assess the level of destruction, but no concrete assistance has been provided.
> “We need urgent help. Our people are displaced and our schools destroyed. The council officials have come, but nobody has received anything yet. We are waiting and hoping,” Longyil stressed.
Mrs. Raphael also revealed that she had earlier written to the Education Secretary, warning about the weak and cracked state of the school buildings before the incident. With this storm now exposing those fears, the community awaits swift intervention to avoid further tragedy.
A Community in Distress
Shimankar, a largely agrarian community known for its peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, is now grappling with uncertainty. Residents who have lost homes are squatting with relatives or struggling to rent accommodation, while children risk losing access to education unless damaged classrooms are urgently rebuilt.
For many, the storm was more than a natural disaster — it was a cruel reminder of how vulnerable rural communities are when disaster strikes, with little or no safety nets.
PIONEER NEWS 