PHOTOS: Three Die, Houses Destroyed As Windstorm Wreaks Havoc In Yobe

A late evening windstorm has killed three persons and injured several others in Gashua, the headquarters of the Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The Chairman of the Local Government Area, Ibrahim Babagana, told Channels Television that the windstorms, which lasted for only 30 minutes, destroyed buildings worth millions of naira and rendered several individuals homeless.

“It was a devastating windstorm that started around 5.30 pm 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 others discharged,” Babagana said.

“This is one of the worst windstorms I have ever witnessed in my life. We have not experienced such in the last few decades; almost every resident of Gashua has been affected in one way or the other. Houses, shops, roofs, telecommunication masts, and electricity poles have been affected seriously,” he said.

The local government chairman, in a report submitted to the State Emergency Management Agency, called on them to respond swiftly and provide the victims with relief materials, saying the disaster is beyond the capacity of the council.

The Gashua town is also faced with challenges of flooding, considering its proximity to the Yobe-Kumodugu River.