Devastating windstorm displaces hundreds in Jigawa

A devastating windstorm that struck Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State has rendered hundreds of residents homeless.  

The storm, which occurred on Friday and Sunday, affected several communities, destroying houses, schools, health facilities and electricity poles, while displacing many residents and causing widespread hardship.

One of the victims, Malam Musa, said the incident occurred on Friday evening when strong winds began at about 3 pm and ripped off the entire roof of his house in the Auramo Quarters area, leaving his family displaced.

According to him, the storm also damaged several parts of the building and destroyed valuable household property.

Another victim, Malam Muhammad, said the windstorm completely damaged his four-bedroom house, forcing his wives and children to seek temporary shelter elsewhere.

The affected residents appealed to the government, humanitarian organisations and well-meaning individuals to assist them in mitigating the impact of the disaster.

Speaking during a sympathy visit to the affected communities, the chairman of Ringim Local Government Council, Hon. Badamasi Garba disclosed that hundreds of houses had been affected by the disaster.

He said the local government council, the Jigawa State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were working together to provide relief assistance to the victims.

The chairman added that all district heads had been directed to liaise with village heads to compile comprehensive records of those affected by the windstorm.

He expressed sympathy to the victims and prayed for the repose of the deceased child’s soul, as well as for the bereaved family to have the strength to bear the loss.

Also speaking during a courtesy visit to the council chairman, the NEMA director for the Kano/Jigawa zonal office, Dr Nuraddeen Abdullahi, said officials were in Jigawa State to sympathise with the victims and assess the extent of the damage.

According to him, “We are here to visit the affected communities to sympathise with the victims on behalf of the federal government and to assess the level of destruction for possible intervention.”

Represented by Zakar Muhammad, the NEMA director reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting the victims and helping them recover from their losses.