Four Dead, Thousands Affected by Windstorm Devastation in Gashua, Yobe State

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has carried out an assessment of communities devastated by a windstorm in Gashua and surrounding areas of Bade Local Government Area, Yobe State, to determine the level of destruction and the urgent needs of affected residents.

The assessment team was led by the NEDC State Coordinator, Professor Ali Ibrahim Abbas, alongside the Executive Chairman of Bade LGA, Alhaji Ibrahim Babagana, to evaluate the extent of the damage and identify priority areas for immediate intervention.

Preliminary findings indicate that more than 2,000 households were affected by the disaster, while four people lost their lives. The windstorm also caused extensive damage to homes, schools, boreholes, shops and other critical community infrastructure.
While commiserating with the victims, Professor Abbas, on behalf of the Managing Director of NEDC, Mohammed Goni Alkali, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to providing urgent relief and support to ease the suffering of affected families.

The NEDC says it stands in solidarity with the victims, noting that Governor Mai Mala Buni is in contact with the Commission’s management to mobilise resources for the affected communities.

The Commission also acknowledged the efforts of the Bade LGA Chairman, the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Local Emergency Management Committee, NEDC volunteers, and other stakeholders for their coordination and support during the assessment.

The NEDC assured residents that intervention measures are already underway to cushion the impact of the disaster and support the recovery of affected households.