THREE people have lost their lives and several others sustained injuries after a powerful windstorm swept through Gashua, the headquarters of Bade Local Government Area in Yobe State.
The Chairman of Bade Local Government Area, Ibrahim Babagana, confirmed the incident to newsmen, describing the storm as one of the worst disasters the community has experienced in decades.
According to him, the windstorm began at about 5:30 p.m. yesterday and lasted for approximately 30 minutes, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
“It was a devastating windstorm that started around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday and lasted for only 30 minutes. I can confirm that three persons lost their lives, while several others are receiving treatment at the Gashua Specialist Hospital. Some of the injured have already been discharged,” Babagana said.
He noted that the disaster destroyed property worth millions of naira, leaving many residents homeless.
“This is one of the worst windstorms I have ever witnessed. We have not experienced anything like this in the last few decades. Almost every resident of Gashua has been affected in one way or another. Houses, shops, rooftops, telecommunication masts and electricity poles were severely damaged,” he added.
Babagana said the local government had submitted a report to the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, urging it to provide immediate relief materials and assistance to affected residents.
He stressed that the scale of the disaster exceeded the capacity of the local council to handle alone.
The chairman also expressed concern over Gashua’s vulnerability to flooding, noting that the town’s location near the Yobe-Kumodugu River continues to expose it to recurring environmental disasters.
