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A severe rainstorm has devastated the Zabzugu District in the Northern Region, displacing more than 1,000 residents and causing extensive damage to schools, homes, and public infrastructure. The storm, which struck on Friday afternoon, tore off the roofs of over 40 houses and destroyed several school buildings, including the District Education Office, disrupting teaching and learning across the area. Channel One News’ Northern Regional Correspondent, Mohammed Aminu Alabira, who visited the district, reported that the violent rainstorm swept through Zabzugu township and surrounding communities, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. More than a 1000 residents have been rendered homeless, while classrooms and offices lie in ruins. The District Education Office was particularly hard hit, with several departments unable to operate. Teaching and learning have come to a halt as pupils are left without classrooms or furniture. The Headteacher of Friends of the Earth Primary School — one of the worst-affected schools — told Channel One News that the disaster has severely affected enrolment and academic activities. He appealed to the District Assembly and well-meaning individuals for urgent support. The Human Resource Manager of the Zabzugu District Education Office also described the extent of the damage as worrying and called for immediate intervention to enable the education directorate to resume normal operations. Some displaced residents, who lost their homes and personal belongings, are appealing for relief assistance from government agencies and humanitarian organisations. The Zabzugu District Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) said the situation is dire, noting that his office lacks the resources to support the affected families. He appealed to the central government and development partners to come to their aid. After touring some of the affected schools, the Zabzugu District Chief Executive expressed sympathy for the victims and assured that the assembly would take swift action to provide relief and restore academic activities. Meanwhile, the safety of pupils remains a major concern, as some are forced to study under unsafe makeshift structures. According to the Headteacher, classes are often suspended whenever the weather changes, further deepening the disruption to learning. Buffer Stock scandal: Allegations by AG are false and damaging – Former CEO
