A violent windstorm accompanied by a brief yet intense rainfall swept through parts of Katsina State on Wednesday evening.
This storm left disaster in its wake, leaving behind extensive destruction. In just 15 minutes, more than 300 residential structures were damaged, with property losses estimated in the millions of Naira.
The storm began shortly after the Asr prayer, tearing off rooftops and scattering construction materials across several communities.
The areas most affected include Sabuwar Unguwar Modoji Gabas, Shinkafi, Kukar-Gesa, Ambassador Quarters, and sections of Jibia Local Government Area.
Countless families, including a couple who recently got married, were rendered homeless as the storm demolished their homes.
Many of the victims are now seeking help from the Katsina State Government and kind-hearted individuals, particularly in light of the ongoing economic challenges facing the country.
One of the affected residents, Maryam Muhammad, shared her ordeal. “I was inside when everything came crashing down.
“My only room collapsed, and I was injured in both my leg and hand. My children were luckily not home as they were at the Islamiyya school. I built that room with everything I had,” she lamented.
Mubarak Rabi’u, another victim, made a similar plea. “We accept this as God’s will, but we are struggling. We don’t even know where our families will sleep tonight. We need help.”
In response to the destruction, the Ward Head of Sabuwar Unguwar Modoji Gabas, Aminu Jafaru, has appealed to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to urgently send a team to inspect the damage and provide support to those affected.
“This storm has left many people in desperate need. We urge the government and well-meaning citizens to come to our aid before the situation worsens,” Jafaru said.
