The Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) says at least seven people lost their lives, while 5,403 households were displaced after a devastating rainstorm destroyed homes and public infrastructure in 120 communities across 13 local government areas.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Hannafi Yakubu Fagam, disclosed this while leading an assessment visit to affected communities in Kiyawa Local Government Area.
Fagam said the affected local government areas include Dutse, Miga, Gwaram, Birnin Kudu, Ringim, Kiyawa, Babura, Kiri-Kasamma, Buji, Kaugama, Gumel, Gagarawa and Sule Tankarkar.
According to him, four people died in Dutse, while one death each was recorded in Miga, Ringim and Sule Tankarkar.
The disaster also left extensive damage to public infrastructure. No fewer than 47 primary and secondary schools, three hospitals and two police stations were affected, disrupting education, healthcare and security services in several communities.
The SEMA boss said the Jigawa State Government has approved funds to provide emergency relief materials and other forms of support for affected families. He also appealed to the Federal Government, development partners, humanitarian organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to assist victims as recovery efforts continue.
Beyond the statistics, the disaster has left many families struggling to rebuild their lives.
For Binta Abdullahi, a widow and mother of three, every rainfall now brings fear instead of comfort. Strong winds ripped off the roof of her home, leaving her family without shelter. She says whenever it rains, she and her children have nowhere safe to sleep.
Other victims, including Ibrahim Musa and Simon Lawan, said they lost their homes, household belongings and means of livelihood within minutes as the storm swept through their communities.
As climate-related disasters become increasingly frequent across Nigeria, emergency officials say greater investment in disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure and rapid humanitarian response will be critical to protecting vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, affected residents are appealing to government, humanitarian agencies, corporate organisations and philanthropists for urgent assistance as they begin the difficult task of rebuilding their homes and restoring their livelihoods.
