Windstorm kills food vendor in Benue State

A violent windstorm, accompanied by heavy rainfall, has killed a woman and wreaked havoc across several communities in Obi Local Government Area of Benue State on Wednesday.

The victim, yet to be identified, was a popular food vendor in Obarike, along the Ogore axis of Obi LGA. She lost her life after a giant tree collapsed on her during the fierce storm.

Residents said the woman died instantly, leaving neighbours, customers and family members devastated, as mourners besieged the community in tears and disbelief.

Several houses, shops and business premises were damaged, while fallen trees blocked the Secretariat Road around the Ijanke community, causing traffic obstruction and fear among residents.

The chairman of Obi LGA, Hon. Silas Odeh Ahunye, described the incident as one of the worst disasters witnessed in recent years, disclosing that his residence was also affected.