Nigeria, March 14 -- The first set of rains in the new season has come with heavy rainstorms, destroying over 200 houses in Ekiti in the last one week.

It is estimated that over 1,000 persons have been rendered homeless following the devastation, according to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

Residents of Erimope Ekiti of Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State are mostly affected.

Friday's downpour began at about 6 p.m., and was accompanied by strong winds which wreaked havoc on residential buildings in the town.

Displaced persons are taking refuge in a neighbouring community.

Apart from private homes, the storms destroyed two public primary schools and buildings belonging to Pentecostal and Catholic Churches in the to...