A powerful windstorm has left hundreds homeless in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State. Struck on Friday and Sunday, the disaster destroyed homes, schools, health facilities and power lines across multiple communities.
Malam Musa, one affected resident, described losing everything when fierce winds hit around 3 pm on Friday. Strong gusts tore the entire roof from his house in Auramo Quarters, forcing his family to abandon their home.
The storm didn't stop there. It damaged other sections of his building and wiped out household valuables he'd accumulated over years.
Malam Muhammad suffered equally devastating losses. His four-bedroom house was completely destroyed, leaving his wives and children to seek emergency shelter with relatives.
Desperate residents have now appealed for urgent help. They're calling on government agencies, charities and concerned Nigerians to support their recovery efforts.
During a visit to the stricken areas, Ringim council chairman Hon. Badamasi Garba confirmed the scale of the disaster.
Hundreds of houses fell victim to the violent weather, he disclosed.
Garba noted that three institutions—the local council, Jigawa State Government and NEMA—are coordinating relief operations. All district heads have received orders to work with village leaders documenting affected families.
He offered condolences to the victims. The chairman also prayed for a child who died in the storm and asked God to strengthen the bereaved family.
Dr Nuraddeen Abdullahi, NEMA's Kano/Jigawa zonal director, arrived in the state to assess damage firsthand. He told reporters the visit aimed to show federal solidarity with victims.
According to him, "We came to sympathise on behalf of the federal government and measure the destruction for possible federal intervention."
Represented by Zakar Muhammad during the courtesy call, Abdullahi renewed the federal government's promise to support survivors. Officials pledged to help residents rebuild their shattered lives.
