In the early hours of Saturday, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, witnessed its first rain since the beginning of the year, 2016.

The downpour was welcomed with much jubilation on the part of residents who saw it as a relief from the unbearable heat.

While speaking with Saturday Tribune, some residents said they had prayed for such to come, considering the degree of sunlight, coupled with the relative heat, which has made sleeping at night, a rather difficult task.

A resident, who gave his name as Yemi Lawrence, described the downpour as a relief saying;"My sister as at yesterday night (friday) when the wind started blowing, I knew it was going to rain and I was happy about it. I must not lie to you, coping with the scorching sun in the day and terrible heat at night is so unbearable.

"Let me shock you, do you know this heat has led to series of robberies? Because many people, because of ventilation, they open their nets and when they are sleeping someone will come in and rob. So it is a relief, at least we can sleep with our doors closed and I pray it falls again."

Another excited resident, Joy Obi explained that although, this was the first rain, it has relaxed the spread of dust particles.

According to her, "you know NEPA no give light like before so sometimes you have to sleep in the heat. You see me; I take my bath like six times before day break before I can sleep. Even if you have generator, it is not every day you will be putting on generator, even with fan, the breeze is even hot. And again, as it rain now, this dust will reduce, I just thank God for the rain."

However, while taking a walk through some areas in the FCT, the wind which preceded the downpour had little or no impact on houses.