Windstorm Destroys Over 200 Homes, Shops In Katsina Community

Hundreds of residents of Dangamau community in Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina State have been displaced after a devastating windstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall destroyed more than 200 houses, shops and other property worth millions of naira.

The disaster, which struck during the week, left a trail of destruction across the community, rendering many families homeless and disrupting economic activities.

Reacting to the incident, Governor Dikko Radda expressed sympathy with the affected residents, describing the destruction as both painful and unfortunate.

The governor said the loss of homes and valuable property had imposed severe hardship on many families and assured victims that the state government would provide the necessary support.

“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Katsina State, I commiserate with the victims of this disaster in Dangamau. We feel your pain and we will not leave you alone at this time,” Radda said.

As part of efforts to provide immediate assistance, the governor directed relevant government agencies to assess the extent of the damage and commence emergency intervention measures.

He disclosed that plans had already been activated to deliver relief materials and other forms of support to affected households.

“Efforts are in top gear to bring succour to the displaced persons. Food, shelter and other basic needs will be provided without delay,” he assured.

Radda also urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency response officials as the government works to restore normalcy in the community.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the governor prayed for the safety of residents and sought divine protection against similar disasters across the state.

The incident adds to a growing list of weather-related disasters recorded in Katsina State during the current rainy season.

Just a week earlier, on July 19, two brothers — 12-year-old Muhammad Salisu and seven-year-old Abdurrahman Salisu — lost their lives in a flood incident in Janbango community within Katsina metropolis.

The children were reportedly returning from a nearby Islamiyya school when a heavy downpour and accompanying windstorm turned roads into fast-flowing torrents that swept them away.

After an extensive search by residents, their bodies were recovered from separate locations, throwing the community into mourning.

Their father, Malam Salisu Arabi, described the tragedy as the most painful experience of his life.

“They left home that day like every other child going to Islamiyya school. I never imagined that the same rain we all witnessed would take away my two children. I have lost two sons in a single day. No father should ever have to endure this kind of pain,” he said.

The children’s mother also appealed to the government to take urgent steps to prevent similar incidents, saying no family should have to endure such a loss.

Residents of Janbango said recurring flooding has plagued the community for years due to inadequate drainage infrastructure.

A community elder noted that runoff from several parts of Katsina Local Government Area converges on Janbango during heavy rainfall, leading to severe flooding, erosion and destruction of property.

Chairman of the Janbango Community Development Association, Malam Tajuddeen, said the community had repeatedly appealed for the construction of proper drainage channels but had yet to receive a lasting solution.

“This is not the first time we have experienced flooding, but this is one of the most heartbreaking incidents because it claimed the lives of two innocent children,” he said.

Residents have renewed calls on the Katsina State Government and relevant agencies to implement effective drainage and flood-control measures to prevent further loss of lives and property during the rainy season.