Severe windstorms have wreaked havoc in parts of Gombe and Sokoto States, claiming at least five lives, displacing thousands, and leaving widespread damage to infrastructure and homes.
In Gombe State, powerful winds struck the temporary National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Amada, Akko Local Government Area, tearing off the roofs of hostels and damaging the main pavilion.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, prompted an immediate visit from the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Adamu Ibrahim, who assured corps members of urgent government intervention.
This is not the first time the camp has suffered windstorm damage, raising renewed concerns about its suitability for hosting orientation exercises.
The impact was even more devastating in Sokoto State, where officials confirmed five deaths—including two toddlers—in the wake of a windstorm that swept through Gwadabawa and Kware Local Government Areas on June 18.
The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) reported that over 1,400 homes were destroyed, displacing thousands and crippling essential infrastructure.
In Gwadabawa alone, 878 houses were flattened, affecting 1,306 households and displacing an estimated 7,836 people.
Eleven individuals were injured, while five fatalities were recorded in the Marabawa community.
Among the dead were two children, aged 18 months and three years, identified as the children of one Mansur Salihu Talhi.
A joint on-the-spot assessment by SEMA and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) revealed the full extent of the destruction.
The team included local council representatives and community elders, with findings showing widespread damage to homes, schools, and other public facilities.
In Kware LGA, 523 houses were destroyed, affecting 1,403 households and injuring 18 people.
Among the worst-hit areas was Kofar-Barga, where a resident’s home was completely destroyed.
In the 30-Quarters area of Kware, approximately 100 homes were damaged.
Government Secondary School, Kware, also suffered significant structural damage, including collapsed fences and destroyed classrooms.
SEMA said documentation of affected individuals and properties is ongoing and would be forwarded to the state and federal governments to enable swift humanitarian support.