A total of 200 houses have been destroyed by a severe windstorm which hit Bena town in Bungudu local government area of Zamfara State on Sunday evening.
The storm, which lasted over an hour, ripped off roofs, brought down walls and left hundreds of residents displaced, according to eyewitness accounts.
Similarly, a windstorm destroyed several communities in Augie local government area of Kebbi State.
Our correspondent, who visited the area on assessment shortly after the state recorded its first rainfall this year, gathered that several residents in Gidan-Agoda, Gidan Mai Gatari, Fadi-Sanko, Shafarma, Tungar Mai Ruwa and Dan- Banki were affected by the windstorm.
In Zamfara State, a resident of Bena town, Malam Musa Bena, who spoke to newsmen, said the disaster struck without warning.
“The incident occurred on Sunday evening and lasted for more than one hour. We lost several houses. Some were completely demolished during the incident. Thankfully, no life was lost,” he said.
Residents said the windstorm damaged both mud and cement structures, with the worst hit areas being compounds built with older materials.
Many families are now seeking shelter with relatives and neighbours.
Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Attahiru, commiserated with the people of Bena town over the incident, describing the windstorm as an act of God. He urged victims to remain patient and trust in divine providence.
He said, “This incident was ordained by Almighty Allah. I want to sympathise with the people affected by the windstorm in Bena town under my emirate and pray that Allah provides them with means of livelihood and replaces what they have lost.”
He called on government agencies, philanthropists, and well meaning individuals to come to the aid of the affected families.
In Kebbi, several communities in Augie local government area were affected by the intense wind.
Several residents in Gidan-Agoda, Gidan Mai Gatari, Fadi-Sanko, Shafarma, Tungar Mai Ruwa and Dan- Banki were affected by the windstorm.
Other communities affected by the disaster include Yalema and Tiggi including all Islamic schools in the community.
Our correspondent also reports that the chairman of Augie local government, Hon Yahaya Muhammed Augie, officials of NEMA and SEMA have visited the affected communities and assured the victims that their plights will not be ignored.
The officials told the community leaders that they are in the area to assess the level of damage caused by the windstorm for necessary action to assist the victims and take measures against the recurrence of the disaster.
Prayers were offered seeking Allah’s protection against the future occurrence of such an unfortunate incident in the area and the state in general.
