At least seven people have lost their lives, while 53 others sustained injuries after a powerful windstorm struck several communities across Jigawa State.
The Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Hannafi Yakubu Fagam, disclosed the development during a briefing with journalists at the State Secretariat in Dutse.
According to him, the disaster affected 5,403 households spread across 120 communities in 13 local government areas of the state.
The affected local government areas include Dutse, Miga, Gwaram, Birnin Kudu, Ringim, Kiyawa, Babura, Kiri-Kasamma, Buji, Kaugama, Gumel, Gagarawa and Sule Tankarkar.
Fagam stated that Dutse recorded four of the fatalities, while Miga, Ringim and Sule Tankarkar each reported one death.
He explained that the windstorm also caused widespread destruction to public facilities and private property, damaging more than 47 primary and secondary schools, three hospitals, two police stations, numerous residential buildings and other critical infrastructure.
The SEMA executive secretary said the Jigawa State Government has approved funds to provide emergency relief and distribute essential materials to affected residents.
He also appealed to development partners, humanitarian organisations and public-spirited individuals to support ongoing efforts aimed at assisting victims and helping affected communities recover from the disaster.
