A severe windstorm has displaced over 1,800 residents in Garba Chede, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State, prompting urgent intervention from both the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
The storm, which followed a torrential downpour on June 2, 2025, wreaked havoc across several communities including Anguwan Amare, Anguwan Hamidu, Anguwan Baki, and Sabon Layi in Kaigama Ward, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
In a statement issued on Monday, NEMA’s Head of Yola Operations Office, Mr. Ladan Ayuba, confirmed that preliminary assessments indicate more than 300 structures—including residential buildings, a church, a school, and a hospital—were either destroyed or severely damaged.
“Our rapid assessment team is working closely with the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency to finalize a comprehensive report that will guide immediate humanitarian interventions,” Ayuba said.
NEDC Pledges Swift Rehabilitation Support
In response, a high-level delegation from the North East Development Commission visited the affected areas to conduct an on-the-spot assessment.
Leading the NEDC team, Hajia Batulu Isa, Deputy Director of Relief and Mediation, pledged that the commission would rehabilitate the 300 most affected households and deliver both food and non-food items, as well as building materials to ease the victims’ plight.
“We have seen the extent of the damage firsthand. The commission will ensure timely support to help victims rebuild and recover,” she said, adding that the report will be submitted to the NEDC CEO, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, for urgent action.
Tragic Losses and Community Appeals
Village Head Mr. Hashimu Abdulkadir revealed that six people lost their lives during the storm, while over 30 others were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment across various hospitals.
He confirmed that places of worship, educational institutions, and health centres were among the critical infrastructures destroyed.
“We are appealing to the Taraba State Government, as well as our representatives at the state and national levels, to urgently support our communities,” he stated.
One of the victims, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, recounted her narrow escape with her six children and called for immediate assistance.
“We’re struggling to survive. We urgently need food, shelter, and basic necessities,” she said.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, attention now turns to the speed and scale of intervention efforts as humanitarian agencies race to prevent a deeper crisis.
