THREE persons in Takum town, Taraba State, lost their lives due to a severe windstorm that hit the area twice within two days.
The first occurrence, as recounted by a local resident named Mallam Maiwada Takum, took place on Tuesday evening, causing extensive damage to various homes, businesses, schools, and offices.
Mallam Maiwada Takum explained that the weather initially brought heavy rainfall, followed by a powerful windstorm lasting over an hour and a half.
The impact was severe, with buildings collapsing and many people getting trapped. Flying debris, including zinc sheets, led to injuries among numerous residents.
Another resident, Yakubu Adamu, described the windstorm as highly destructive, causing significant harm to property and infrastructure, as well as the loss of lives.
He confirmed three fatalities and multiple injuries, anticipating that the casualty count might increase as rescue operations continue.
James Gangum requested immediate assistance from the state government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to help those affected by the windstorm.
On the following day, another powerful windstorm struck Takum town, causing further destruction and injuries to many individuals.
The windstorm, accompanied by heavy rainfall, began shortly after Governor Agbu Kefas arrived in the town to inspect the damage from the previous day’s storm.
The second incident disrupted the governor’s assessment efforts of the initial windstorm’s impact.
Additionally, a windstorm in Agbashi community, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, resulted in one fatality, several injuries, and the destruction of over 100 houses.
The Vice Chairman of Doma LGA, John Bako-Ari, confirmed the incident, highlighting the extensive damage to residential homes, the Agbashi Central mosque, part of Pilot Primary School Agbashi, and other public infrastructure.
The acting Chairman of Agbashi Development Association (ADA), Anthony Oshinyeka, expressed sorrow over the event and the severe consequences on the Bassa settlement in Iponu, where one person died and seven others were injured.
Oshinyeka called for urgent government support, requesting the prompt provision of relief materials and medical assistance to aid the affected communities.
