Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has visited Bama town to commiserate with victims of a devastating windstorm that affected several households.

Receiving the governor, the Chairman, Bama Local Government Area, Babagana Barma, said at least four persons tragically lost their lives and over 1,200 houses were affected by the disaster.

Governor Zulum, while sympathising with the victimsa, announced immediate relief measures, including a cash payment of N500,000 to the families of each of those that lost their lives in the windstorm.

He also directed a prompt assessment of the extent of destruction across the affected areas, stating that support would be provided based on the severity of damage to each household.

While acknowledging the immediate needs of the victims, Zulum used the opportunity to warn residents against indiscriminate felling of trees, a practice he said is the major cause of windstorms and other environmental disasters in the region.

“We must stop cutting down trees arbitrarily. This is a key factor behind the increasing intensity of storms and ecological challenges we face. We already have laws on the ground, and there is a need to ensure that we fully implement them,” Zulum said.

The governor further reassured displaced persons of his administration’s commitment to resettling all those still living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to their ancestral homes in safety and dignity.

Residents of the town told our correspondent that the incident happened around 3pm on Friday.

“The worst affected areas are Gwange and IDP camp but it’s caused serious damage virtually all over the town. About 10 people died and several others injured,” a victim, Mala Bashir, said.

Another victim of the storm, Modu Sheriff, said they were preparing for Asr prayer when the wind swept through the town, causing wanton destruction.

“The strong wind uprooted a tree in front of my house and toppled the roofs of my neighbors. Many properties in the town have suffered serious damages,” he said. (Daily Trust)