From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In a tragic turn of events, numerous residential buildings and business establishments in Lafia, Nasarawa State, fell victim to a ferocious windstorm, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
Narrating the harrowing ordeal on Friday, residents of affected communities recounted the havoc wrought upon their lives and livelihoods, particularly in terms of shelter.
Muhammad Iliyasu Garba, a journalist with BreezeFM in an interview with Saturday Sun lamented the complete destruction of his residence, rendering him homeless and in dire need of assistance from both authorities and philanthropic individuals.
Garba, still reeling from the shock, expressed gratitude for divine mercy amidst the despair, having recently completed the construction of his now-demolished home.
Meanwhile, the Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic Lafia bore significant brunt from the tempest, with several of its buildings suffering extensive damage.
Mr . Mukhtar Wakeel, the institution’s Director of Public Relations and Protocol, disclosed that the windstorm had ravaged at least five key structures, including the Administrative Block, exacerbating an already dire situation caused by heavy rains earlier in the week.
Surveying the aftermath, Acting Rector Dr. Nurudeen Mu’azu Maifata acknowledged the magnitude of the disaster, emphasizing the urgent need for measures to mitigate future occurrences. Dr. Maifata reassured stakeholders of the management’s commitment to swiftly address the damage, ensuring minimal disruption to academic and administrative operations.
Accompanied by a cadre of management personnel, including deans and directors, the Acting Rector underscored the institution’s readiness to expedite restoration efforts, safeguarding the continuity of vital functions within the Polytechnic.