A severe windstorm has ravaged communities across Fika local government area of Yobe State, destroying at least 209 houses including public buildings, according to state emergency officials.
Dr. Mohammed Goje, Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), disclosed this information during a stakeholders engagement on National Disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) organized by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Damaturu.
"In 2025, we experienced one windstorm incidence in Fika local government area which affected about 209 households including public buildings. We are tracking and reviewing how we can support those affected communities," Goje stated.
Rising Disaster Incidents in Yobe
Data from YOSEMA revealed a concerning trend of natural disasters in the state. In 2024 alone, 28,977 households (approximately 68,954 individuals) were affected by windstorms and flooding across Yobe State. The agency also reported that 544 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries due to building collapses caused by floods.
More tragically, 47 deaths were recorded across 601 communities in all 17 local government areas of the state due to these disasters.
Proactive Measures for Disaster Management
The stakeholders engagement was part of proactive measures to mitigate the impact of disasters in high-risk communities following the release of the 2025 seasonal climate prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and annual flood outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA, represented by North East Zonal Director Yakubu Suleiman, emphasized the importance of engaging states in the region to prepare for potential disasters.
The campaign is themed 'Strengthening resilience, enhancing preparedness and response: Taking disaster risk management to the grassroots to save lives, restore normalcy and build communal resilience across Nigeria'.
As the rainy season approaches, authorities are urging communities to take preventive measures and remain vigilant to minimize the impact of potential natural disasters.
