Seven Killed, Over 5,400 Displaced as Windstorm Ravages Jigawa

At least seven people have lost their lives, while more than 5,400 residents have been affected after powerful windstorms swept through 120 communities across 13 local government areas of Jigawa State.

The Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Relief Management Agency (SEMA), Hannafi Yakubu, disclosed the figures during a press briefing in Dutse, describing the disaster as the most severe emergency currently facing the state.

Yakubu said the windstorms struck shortly after the onset of the rainy season, causing widespread destruction to homes and public infrastructure.

According to him, about 50 schools and healthcare facilities, as well as two police stations, were damaged by the storms. He noted that although the state has yet to experience major flooding, the windstorm alone has caused extensive devastation across several communities.

SEMA is working closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate relief efforts for affected residents.

Yakubu appealed to the Federal Government, humanitarian organisations, development partners, corporate bodies and individuals to support victims, stressing that disaster response requires collective action.

He also revealed that the Jigawa State Government has approved over ₦800 million for emergency preparedness, with relief materials already being stockpiled for rapid response during the rainy season.

The affected local government areas include Dutse, Gwaram, Birnin Kudu, Kiyawa, Babura, Gumel, Kaugama, Ringim, Gagarawa, Kirikasamma, Sule Tankarkar, Miga and Buji.

Ringim recorded the highest number of victims with 1,182 affected persons, followed by Dutse (792), Babura (650), Kirikasamma (605), and Birnin Kudu (539).

Yakubu also confirmed a separate flooding incident in Miga Local Government Area, where more than 70 hectares of farmland were destroyed. However, he explained that the incident does not yet qualify as part of the state's annual flood season because major rivers have not overflowed.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and providing relief to communities affected by natural disasters.

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