A devastating rainstorm has displaced hundreds of residents in Babbah village, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State, destroying more than 50 homes and claiming the lives of several livestock.
The disaster, which struck around 5pm on Monday, has thrown the community into distress, with residents calling for urgent government intervention.
Videos obtained by SaharaReporters showed the extent of the destruction, with collapsed buildings, scattered debris, and people lamenting their losses.
One of the affected residents, speaking in one of the videos, appealed for assistance.
“We need help; all the houses here have been blown away by a windstorm. Please, the government should come to our aid,” he said.
Another resident, who narrowly escaped harm, described the terrifying moment the storm hit.
“We were inside the room with four of my friends when the incident happened. It’s the will of God, and no human has power over it. May this not happen to anyone,” he said.
The powerful storm, accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds, tore through the village, reducing homes to rubble and leaving many families without shelter.
Properties worth millions of naira were destroyed, worsening the hardship faced by the already struggling community.
Aside from the destruction of homes, the storm also killed several livestock, dealing a significant blow to the livelihoods of many residents who depend on farming and animal husbandry.
The affected villagers are now calling on the Niger State government and relevant emergency agencies to provide relief materials, temporary shelters, and other essential support.
This latest disaster highlights the vulnerability of rural communities in Niger State to extreme weather conditions.
Studies have shown that areas like Lavun are prone to flooding and destructive storms due to their terrain and lack of proper drainage infrastructure.
As residents of Babbah village struggle to come to terms with their losses, they remain hopeful that authorities will step in quickly to alleviate their suffering and help them rebuild their lives.
A similar incident also happened on Monday in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
It was learnt that over 100 residents in the community were left homeless after wreaking havoc on homes, schools, and market stalls.
The storm, which struck around 4pm on Monday, tore off roofs, leaving families displaced and causing significant damage to properties.
One of the worst-hit places was Ansar Deen College, where over 10 classrooms were affected, disrupting learning activities and exposing students and teachers to harsh weather conditions.
