A series of devastating windstorms has wreaked havoc in Takum town, Taraba State, claiming the lives of three residents and causing extensive damage to property and infrastructure,Daily Trust reports.
The first windstorm struck on Tuesday evening, preceded by heavy rainfall, according to Mallam Maiwada Takum, a resident. The powerful winds lasted for over an hour and a half, causing buildings to collapse and trapping many people. Flying debris, including zinc sheets, resulted in numerous injuries.
Yakubu Adamu, another resident, described the windstorm as highly destructive, confirming three fatalities and multiple injuries. He expressed concerns that the casualty count might increase as rescue efforts progress.
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James Gangum appealed for urgent assistance from the state government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to aid those affected by the disaster.
On Wednesday, another powerful windstorm struck Takum town, exacerbating the destruction caused by the previous day’s disaster. The storm, accompanied by heavy rainfall, began shortly after Governor Agbu Kefas arrived to assess the damage. Numerous buildings, including homes, schools, electric poles, and trees, were destroyed.
Mr. Emmanuel Bello, the Senior Assistant to Governor Agbu Kefas on Media and Digital Communication, reported that the governor’s assessment efforts were disrupted by the second windstorm.
In a separate incident, Agbashi community in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State also faced devastation from a windstorm. Vice Chairman John Bako-Ari confirmed over 100 houses destroyed, along with public infrastructure like the Agbashi Central mosque and part of Pilot Primary School Agbashi. One fatality and multiple injuries were reported in the Bassa settlement in Iponu.
Mr. Anthony Oshinyeka, acting Chairman of Agbashi Development Association (ADA), called for immediate government intervention, urging the provision of relief materials and medical aid to support affected communities.
