Three Killed, Scores Injured as Windstorm Ravages Yobe Community

At least three people have been killed and several others injured after a powerful windstorm swept through Gashua, the headquarters of Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State, causing widespread destruction to homes, businesses and public infrastructure.

The late evening storm, which struck around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday and lasted for about 30 minutes, destroyed property worth millions of naira and left many residents homeless.

Confirming the incident in a telephone interview with Channels Television, the Chairman of Bade Local Government Area, Ibrahim Babagana, described the windstorm as one of the worst disasters the community has witnessed in decades.

"It was a devastating windstorm that started around 5:30 p.m. 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 already discharged," Babagana said.

He said the storm caused extensive damage across the town, affecting residential buildings, commercial outlets and critical infrastructure.

"This is one of the worst windstorms I have ever witnessed in my life. We have not experienced anything like this in the last few decades. Almost every resident of Gashua has been affected in one way or another. Houses, shops, roofs, telecommunications masts and electricity poles have been seriously damaged," he added.

The local government chairman said a formal report has been submitted to the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), requesting urgent intervention and relief materials for affected residents.

According to him, the scale of destruction is beyond the capacity of the local government to manage alone.

Gashua, a major town in northern Yobe, is also vulnerable to seasonal flooding due to its proximity to the Yobe-Komadugu River, compounding the challenges facing residents affected by the latest disaster.