No fewer than three people have been confirmed dead, while houses and property worth millions of naira were destroyed following a heavy rainfall accompanied by a windstorm that swept through communities in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State. The disaster, which occurred overnight, affected Tsohon Nguru (Old Nguru), Filing Idi and other communities, leaving several residents injured and hundreds displaced. An eyewitness, Bukar Adamu, told Daily Trust that the rainstorm destroyed houses, perimeter fences and other property, forcing many affected families to seek refuge with relatives and in public buildings. “The disaster occurred overnight. It killed at least three people and destroyed many houses, walls and property worth millions of naira, forcing victims to seek shelter in different locations,” he said. BCDA crisis: Unelected individuals may have hijacked Presidential powers – ADC Habila’s father insists on ‘no autopsy’, demands daughter’s corpse “Some are staying with their relatives, while others have taken refuge in public buildings. We are calling on the government and well-meaning individuals to come to the aid of the victims and their families.” One of the victims, Mustapha Modu, said the storm caused extensive damage to homes, shops, market stalls and other valuable property. “The wind blew off the roof of my house. I had to take my wife and children to my brother’s house for safety until the situation improves,” he said. “My friend also lost his shop, while a young boy, Ilya Alhassan of Filing Idi community, died after a room collapsed on him during the storm. “The disaster has destroyed homes, shops, market stalls and other valuable belongings. We are in a difficult situation and pray Allah to come to our aid.” In a statement commiserating with the victims, the Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan (SAIL) Foundation expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by the windstorm. The foundation said about three persons were reported dead, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The statement quoted former Senate President Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan as extending his condolences to the bereaved families and praying Almighty Allah to grant the deceased Aljannatul Firdaus and give their families the strength to bear the loss. He also prayed for the quick recovery of those injured. Lawan described the destruction of homes, livelihoods and public infrastructure as another major setback for communities in Yobe North, recalling that similar windstorm incidents had recently affected Gashua and other areas. Meanwhile, officials of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) have commenced an assessment of the affected communities to determine the extent of damage. A YOSEMA official, who spoke to Daily Trust, said assessment teams were documenting damaged buildings, property and infrastructure to enable the government provide appropriate relief assistance to victims. He said relief interventions would commence immediately after the assessment exercise is completed.
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