More than 1,800 residents have been rendered homeless after a fierce windstorm swept through several communities in the Garba Chede area of Bali Local Government in Taraba State, destroying homes, schools, and health facilities.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the destruction in a statement on Monday, noting that the incident occurred on June 2 during a heavy rainstorm accompanied by violent winds. Affected areas include Anguwan Amare, Anguwan Hamidu, Anguwan Baki, and Sabon Layi, all within Kaigama Ward.
According to Mr. Ladan Ayuba, Head of NEMA’s Yola Operations Office, initial assessments show that over 300 structures were either destroyed or severely damaged, including private residences, a church, a school, and a hospital.
“Our rapid assessment team has completed the preliminary evaluation. We are now working closely with the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency to finalize a detailed report that will shape our next steps in delivering relief,” Ayuba stated.
In a coordinated response, the North East Development Commission (NEDC) has pledged to rehabilitate all affected households. A delegation from the commission, led by Deputy Director of Relief and Mediation, Hajia Batulu Isa, visited the devastated communities for an on-the-spot assessment.
“We are committed to supporting the victims with food, non-food items, and construction materials. The extent of damage we witnessed is severe, and we are taking swift steps to provide relief,” Isa said.
She added that the assessment report would be presented to the commission’s Managing Director, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, to trigger immediate intervention.
Local authorities reported that six lives were lost, and more than 30 people sustained injuries, many of whom are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
Village head Hashimu Abdulkadir called for urgent support from both state and federal lawmakers representing the area, stressing the need for reconstruction of critical infrastructure such as health and education facilities.
“We are appealing to government officials and stakeholders to prioritize the recovery of our communities,” he said.
One of the displaced residents, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, who survived the storm with her six children, described the aftermath as dire.
“Since the storm hit, we’ve been struggling. We don’t have food, shelter, or clean water. We are pleading for urgent assistance,” she said.
Relief efforts are expected to commence once the final report is submitted, with both agencies promising a coordinated and timely response.
