DUTSE, JIGAWA STATE: A series of devastating windstorms accompanied by torrential rainfall has swept through 120 communities across 13 local government areas (LGAs) in Jigawa State, leaving a trail of severe destruction. The disaster, which struck at the onset of the current rainy season, has claimed at least seven lives and officially affected more than 5,400 residents.

The Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Hon. Hannafi Yakubu, described the crisis during a press briefing in the state capital of Dutse as the most significant disaster currently confronting the state. Of the recorded fatalities, four occurred in Dutse, while Miga, Ringim, and Sule Tankarkar LGAs recorded one death each.

Beyond the tragic human toll, the powerful winds systematically dismantled residential properties and essential public facilities. Initial assessments from emergency response teams reveal a sweeping impact on local infrastructure, including approximately 50 educational facilities and clinics that were severely damaged or unroofed, heavily disrupting critical healthcare and school services.

Additionally, security infrastructure was hit, with at least two local police stations suffering significant structural damage, while collapsed power lines and downed electricity poles have left multiple communities enduring prolonged blackouts.

Note: The remaining affected LGAs include Gwaram, Kiyawa, Gumel, Kaugama, Gagarawa, Sule Tankarkar, and Buji.

While major regional rivers have not yet overflowed to trigger the annual flooding season, the pure velocity of the windstorms alone has triggered a massive humanitarian need. SEMA is currently collaborating with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to streamline field data and optimize relief distribution.

"Disaster management is a collective responsibility. We are calling on the Federal Government, development partners, and humanitarian organizations to support these vulnerable communities as they rebuild," stated SEMA Executive Secretary Hannafi Yakubu.

To counter the escalating weather risks, the Jigawa State Government has approved over ₦800 million for emergency preparedness. These funds are actively being utilized to stockpile critical relief materials, temporary shelters, and medical supplies to ensure prompt logistical responses as the rainy season intensifies.