A powerful windstorm has devastated Gashu’a, headquarters of Bade Local Government Area in Yobe State, destroying homes and property worth millions of naira.
The storm, which struck on Wednesday evening at the onset of the rainy season, left many residents homeless and wiped out businesses, food supplies, and other valuables.
Local sources said at least four people may have died, although authorities are yet to confirm the fatalities.
Residents described the incident as one of the worst in recent memory, with strong winds tearing through buildings and means of livelihood. Some also linked the severity of the damage to environmental factors such as deforestation.
In a statement on Thursday, the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed that several communities in Bade, Yunusari, and Bursari local government areas were affected.
The agency said emergency response teams have been deployed, alongside personnel from neighboring councils, to assess the damage and support affected residents.
Preliminary reports indicate that hundreds of homes were damaged, with vulnerable households bearing the brunt of the disaster.
Yobe has experienced recurring weather-related disasters in recent years, including windstorms and flooding that have displaced thousands of residents and destroyed properties across the state.
SEMA expressed sympathy to affected families and assured that relief efforts are underway.
