Windstorm kills 3, destroys houses, infrastructure in Yobe

At least three persons have died, while several others sustained injuries following a windstorm that swept through Gashua, the headquarters of Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Residents told Daily Trust that the windstorm, which lasted for about 30 minutes on Wednesday evening, destroyed hundreds of houses, shops, telecommunication masts and electricity poles, leaving many families homeless and causing property losses estimated at millions of naira.

A 65-year-old resident, Aminu Muhammad, described the incident as one of the worst natural disasters to hit the town in recent memory.

“This is one of the worst devastating disasters I have ever witnessed in my life. About three people lost their lives, while hundreds of houses and means of livelihood were destroyed,” he said.

Muhammad attributed the scale of the destruction to widespread deforestation, saying the indiscriminate felling of trees may have worsened the impact of the windstorm.

One of the victims, Abdulhadi Ibrahim Gashua, said the storm caused extensive damage to his house and vehicle.

“On the evening of yesterday, my house was severely affected by a windstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall. The strong winds ripped off the roof of my house, exposing the building to further damage. My vehicle was also damaged, with the bonnet and right headlight badly affected. In addition, the solar panels installed on the roof were destroyed.

“The incident has resulted in significant property damage and financial loss, and urgent repairs are needed to restore both the house and the vehicle. Thankfully, no one was injured and all members of my family are safe,” he said.

Another resident, Yahaya Mato, said several houses and communication facilities were damaged by the storm.

“The recent rainfall in Gashua was not particularly heavy, but it was accompanied by a powerful windstorm that caused significant damage across the town. Several houses were damaged, while some telecommunication masts collapsed and others sustained partial damage.

“Over the years, many trees that once served as natural windbreaks have been removed due to farming, land-clearing activities and residential expansion. Their absence has left the area more exposed, allowing strong winds to cause greater destruction to homes, infrastructure and livelihoods,” he said.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Bade Local Government Area, Hon. Ibrahim Babagana Yurema, said three persons lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries.

“It was a devastating windstorm that started around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday and lasted for about 30 minutes. I can confirm that three persons died, while others are receiving treatment at the Gashua Specialist Hospital. Some of the victims have already been discharged.

“We have not experienced such devastation in decades. Almost every resident of Gashua was affected in one way or another. Houses, shops, roofs, telecommunication masts and electricity poles were seriously damaged,” he said.

The Director of Search and Rescue Operations at the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), Dr Ibrahim Muhammad Jalo, said the agency had commenced an assessment of the affected communities.

He said the disaster also affected parts of Yunusari and Bursari Local Government Areas, adding that emergency response teams, supported by personnel and volunteers from neighbouring councils, had been deployed to carry out a rapid assessment.

“Preliminary findings indicate that numerous homes sustained significant damage, with the majority of those affected being vulnerable households. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to families displaced and those whose homes and livelihoods have been impacted.

“A comprehensive assessment is ongoing. Upon completion, Yobe SEMA will provide first-line emergency assistance, with support prioritised according to the most urgent needs identified.

“We stand in solidarity with the affected communities during this difficult period and remain committed to providing timely humanitarian assistance in line with Governor Mai Mala Buni’s mandate. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” Jalo said.

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