Residents Displaced as Windstorm Destroys Houses, Schools in Sokoto

A devastating windstorm has left a trail of destruction across Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State, destroying hundreds of houses and public infrastructure while displacing numerous families. The disaster, which struck Sunday night, May 31, 2026, affected Gada town, the headquarters of the local government area, as well as several surrounding communities. A local government official, who craved anonymity, said authorities have continued to receive distress reports from towns, villages, wards, community leaders, and residents regarding the extensive damage caused by the storm. According to preliminary assessments, the disaster resulted in widespread destruction of residential buildings, schools, business premises, places of worship, and other community assets across the affected communities. Windstorm kills 1, destroys over 200 houses in Zamfara Rainstorm destroys, houses, health facilities, worship centres in Plateau “The report indicated that more than 100 houses were severely affected in Gada town alone, with many buildings losing their roofs, while others suffered partial or complete wall collapse,” the official said. The source further disclosed that similar incidents were recorded in several towns and villages across the local government area, suggesting that the total number of affected households could run into several hundreds. Many of the affected families have reportedly been displaced and left without shelter, exposing them to harsh weather conditions and worsening their humanitarian situation. Residents also lost food supplies, household property, personal belongings, and sources of livelihood as a result of the disaster. Authorities said the full scale of the destruction is still being assessed as additional reports continue to emerge from various communities. Meanwhile, the member representing Gada-Goronyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Bashir Gorau, confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the extent of the destruction caused by the storm. The lawmaker called for urgent intervention by relevant government agencies and humanitarian organisations to provide relief materials and support to affected families. He urged the Sokoto State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and other stakeholders to respond swiftly to the needs of the victims. Similarly, the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at SEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Umar, also confirmed the incident, stating that officials would soon visit the affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment. Residents have appealed for immediate assistance to alleviate the suffering of victims and support the reconstruction of damaged homes and public facilities.