At least seven people have died, and more than 5,400 residents have been impacted after powerful windstorms hit 120 communities across 13 local government areas in Jigawa State.
Hannafi Yakubu, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Relief Management Agency, shared this information during a press briefing in Dutse, the state capital. He called the incident the worst disaster currently facing the state.
Yakubu explained that the windstorms occurred soon after the rainy season started, causing widespread destruction.
“The windstorm has led to the loss of seven lives and affected over 5,400 persons across 120 communities,” he stated.
He added that the disaster damaged homes and key public facilities, including schools, health centres, and police stations.
“About 50 schools and health facilities, as well as two police stations, were damaged. This is currently the most significant disaster facing the state,” Yakubu noted.
The SEMA boss mentioned that while Jigawa has not seen major flooding yet, the windstorms have caused severe damage in many areas.
“We are yet to witness widespread flooding, but the windstorm alone has caused extensive damage across several local government areas,” he said.
Yakubu mentioned that the agency is working with the National Emergency Management Agency to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts.
“We are collaborating closely with NEMA to evaluate the situation and ensure a coordinated emergency response,” he added.
He appealed for help from various groups, saying disaster management is a shared duty that includes the government, humanitarian groups, and individuals.
“We call on the Federal Government, local governments, development partners, humanitarian organisations, corporate bodies, and individuals to support affected communities,” he said.
Yakubu also revealed that the Jigawa State Government has approved over N800 million for emergency preparations before the rainy season.
“The government approved more than N800 million for the procurement of relief materials, which are now being stockpiled for prompt response,” Yakubu stated.
The local government areas affected include Dutse, Gwaram, Birnin Kudu, Kiyawa, Babura, Gumel, Kaugama, Ringim, Gagarawa, Kirikasamma, Sule Tankarkar, Miga, and Buji.
Ringim has the highest number of affected persons, with 1,182 victims, followed by Dutse with 792, Babura with 650, Kirikasamma with 605, and Birnin Kudu with 539.
Yakubu confirmed a separate flooding incident in Miga Local Government Area, where over 70 hectares of farmland were destroyed.
“More than 70 hectares of farmland were destroyed in Miga. However, this cannot yet be classified as part of the annual flooding season since major rivers have not overflowed,” he explained.
He assured residents that the state government would keep working to improve disaster preparedness and assist communities hit by natural disasters.
“The state government will continue to improve disaster preparedness and provide relief to affected communities,” he said.
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