Commercial flights have been grounded at Akure Airport following the destruction of property and equipment worth millions of naira by a heavy rainstorm.
The control tower was the most affected, with sensitive equipment severely damaged.
According to sources within the airport, the incident disrupted passengers, airport users, and aviation officials working at the facility.
The rainstorm also wreaked havoc in the communities of Eleyewo, Ilu Abo, and Bolorunduro, where buildings, including schools, houses, and churches were destroyed. Vehicles and electricity poles were also damaged.
One source stated that equipment such as the network time protocol, encoder, air conditioners, computers, and other devices in the control tower were destroyed by the storm.
“Monday’s thunderstorm caused significant damage to equipment inside the control tower; the windows were smashed, and the ceiling caved in. About seven buildings housing airport staff had their roofs torn off due to the heavy storm.
“As a result, all commercial flights have been grounded until further notice, pending repairs to the damaged equipment,” the source added.