A devastating windstorm accompanied by rainfall has destroyed at least 300 houses and damaged property worth millions of naira across several communities in Katsina State, leaving numerous residents, including a newly married couple, homeless.

The destructive storm, which occurred on Wednesday evening shortly after Asr prayers, lasted only about 15 minutes but caused widespread devastation throughout the affected areas. Eyewitnesses reported seeing rooftops and rafters flying through the air as structures collapsed under the storm's intensity.

Among the hardest-hit communities were Sabuwar Unguwar Modoji Gabas, Shinkafi, Kukar-Gesa, Ambassador Quarters, and parts of Jibia Local Government Area. The sudden disaster has left many victims in desperate need of shelter and assistance.

Maryam Muhammad, one of the victims who sustained injuries during the incident, shared her harrowing experience: "During the storm, I was inside my room when it collapsed on me. I sustained injuries to my leg and arm. Thank God my children were at Islamiyya school at the time. I built that room using everything I had. We desperately need both divine and government intervention."

Another victim, Mubarak Rabi'u, expressed similar distress, stating, "We've accepted this tragedy as God's will, but we need help. As I speak, we have no idea where our families will go. We are struggling to survive."

The Ward Head of Sabuwar Unguwar Modoji Gabas, Aminu Jafaru, has called on the Katsina State Government and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to urgently visit the affected areas and assess the scale of destruction.

"It was a terrifying windstorm that destroyed dozens of homes within minutes. Without government support, many residents will remain displaced. We appeal to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda to send a delegation immediately to evaluate the situation and assist those in need," Jafaru pleaded.

The disaster comes at a particularly challenging time, with victims citing ongoing economic hardship as an additional burden to their sudden homelessness. Many are now calling on both the state government and humanitarian organizations to provide emergency relief materials and temporary shelter while they rebuild their lives.

As of press time, there has been no official statement from the Katsina State Government regarding relief efforts for the affected communities.