A devastating wave of windstorms has swept through communities in Sokoto and Gombe states, resulting in the deaths of at least five people, injuring dozens, and displacing thousands. The disaster, which occurred on June 18 in Sokoto State, affected over 1,400 homes and key public infrastructure, leaving many without shelter or access to essential services.
In Sokoto State, the windstorm proved particularly deadly, claiming five lives, including two toddlers aged 18 months and three years, identified as the children of Mansur Salihu Talhi. According to officials from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 878 houses were destroyed in Gwadabawa Local Government Area alone, affecting 1,306 households and displacing an estimated 7,836 individuals. Eleven people sustained varying degrees of injuries in the area.
The assessment team, comprising DPM Shehu Muhammad, Councilor for Gidan-Kaya Ward Siba Sodangi, community elder Adamu Talhi, and SEMA Desk Officer Nafi’u Bello, reported widespread destruction across both Gwadabawa and Kware Local Government Areas. In Kware, 523 houses were destroyed, affecting 1,403 households and injuring 18 persons. Several public structures, including parts of Government Secondary School, Kware, suffered significant damage to fences and classrooms.
In Gombe State, strong winds battered the temporary National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Amada, Akko Local Government Area, tearing off the roofs of hostels and the main pavilion. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, prompted a swift response from the government. Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Adamu Ibrahim, visited the camp on behalf of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya to assess the damage and assured corps members of urgent intervention.
SEMA has confirmed that documentation of all affected individuals and properties is ongoing, with plans to submit the data to state and federal governments to facilitate humanitarian assistance for victims. The agency’s efforts aim to provide relief to those affected and restore normalcy to the communities.
Impact of the Disaster:
– Over 1,400 homes destroyed
– Thousands displaced
– Five fatalities, including two toddlers
– Dozens injured
– Public infrastructure, including schools, damaged
Government Response:
– SEMA and NEMA conducting joint assessment
– Documentation of affected individuals and properties ongoing
– Plans for humanitarian assistance underway
– Government intervention promised for NYSC camp in Gombe State.
