NEMA And NEDC Collaborate To Support 1,800 Individuals Displaced By A Windstorm In Taraba

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), on Monday, confirmed that over 1,800 persons were displaced following a devastating windstorm that ravaged several communities in Garba Chede, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

According to a statement released by NEMA, the storm followed a heavy downpour accompanied by violent winds on June 2, 2025, and affected communities including Anguwan Amare, Anguwan Hamidu, Anguwan Baki, and Sabon Layi in Kaigama Ward.

Head of NEMA’s Yola Operations Office, Mr Ladan Ayuba, said preliminary assessments revealed that more than 300 structures, including homes, a church, a school, and a hospital, were either destroyed or badly damaged.

“Our team has conducted a rapid assessment and we are working with the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency to conclude a full report that will guide immediate humanitarian intervention,” Ayuba said.

Meanwhile, the North East Development Commission has pledged to rehabilitate all 300 affected households.

This was announced by the commission when a delegation visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment.

The Deputy Director, Relief and Mediation, Hajia Batulu Isa, who led the NEDC team, assured victims that relief materials would be delivered soon.

“We have seen the extent of destruction. The commission will provide food items, non-food items, and building materials to cushion the impact on the victims,” she said.

Isa added that the report of the assessment would be submitted to the Managing Director and CEO of the commission, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, for urgent action.

A village head, Mr Hashimu Abdulkadir, told journalists that six people died during the incident, while over 30 others were injured and received treatment in various hospitals.

He said places of worship, a school, and a health centre were destroyed in the storm.

He called on the Taraba State Government and members representing the area at both the state and national assemblies to come to the aid of the affected communities affected by the windstorm.

One of the victims, Mrs Zubaida Umar, who narrowly escaped with her six children, said the storm had left many residents homeless and in need of urgent support.

She said “After what happened, life has become tough. We’re struggling to get necessities like food, a place to live, and other essentials just to make ends meet.”