Windstorm kills two minors, destroys property in Yobe

A windstorm accompanied by heavy rain has claimed the lives of two minors and destroyed several properties in Gashua Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The Council Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Babagana, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.

According to Babagana, who spoke in Gashua, the children died when a tree fell on a building sheltering them during the storm.

He said the windstorm, which started at about 5pm on Wednesday, destroyed many buildings, electricity poles, and communication towers.

He said: “The windstorm lasted for about 15 minutes, but the destruction was devastating.

“I cannot give accurate figures yet, as we are still compiling them.”

The chairman said many injured persons were treated at the hospital and discharged.

Babagana added that officials of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) are in Gashua to ascertain the level of destruction and render immediate support.

“They are preparing to distribute relief materials to victims,” he said.

He appealed to philanthropists and well-placed individuals to extend helping hands to the affected persons.

He urged them to assist victims with food and non-food items.