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 Channels Television, saying the storm, which lasted for only 30 minutes, destroyed buildings worth millions of naira and left many residents homeless.
“It was a devastating windstorm that started around 5.30 pm on Wednesday and lasted for only 30 minutes. I can confirm to you that three persons have died from the incident while others are receiving medical attention at the Gashua Specialist Hospital, with a few others discharged,” Babagana said.
He described the incident as one of the most destructive weather events the community has experienced in decades.
“This is one of the worst windstorms I have ever witnessed in my life. We have not experienced such in the last few decades; almost every resident of Gashua has been affected in one way or the other. Houses, shops, roofs, telecommunication masts, and electricity poles have been affected seriously,” he said.
The council chairman disclosed that a report had been submitted to the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, urging the agency to provide immediate relief materials and emergency assistance to affected residents.
According to him, the scale of destruction is beyond the capacity of the local government to manage without external intervention.
Gashua is already vulnerable to flooding due to its location near the Yobe-Kumodugu River, raising concerns that residents could face additional hardship if heavy rainfall continues.
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