A fierce windstorm has ripped through the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp in Paiko, Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving key facilities badly damaged and forcing authorities into emergency response mode.

Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has ordered immediate repairs to all affected structures, directing relevant ministries and agencies to move swiftly to restore normalcy at the camp and ensure the safety and comfort of corps members.

The storm tore off roofs and battered several buildings, including male corps members’ hostels, the multi-purpose hall, the camp kitchen, staff quarters, and parts of the state coordinator’s residence. Though the destruction was extensive, officials confirmed that no casualties were recorded, a development the governor described as a “major relief” amid the chaos.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Bago called the incident “unfortunate and worrying,” noting that the damage had disrupted camp activities and placed corps members and officials in a difficult situation. He stressed that the camp must be restored quickly so that the ongoing orientation course can continue without further interruption.

An assessment team was immediately dispatched to the site to evaluate the extent of the damage and recommend urgent interventions. The team included the Niger State Commissioner for Education, Hadiza Mohammed, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Jacob Baba-Yisa, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, and the Niger State NYSC Coordinator, Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim.

Following their inspection, temporary arrangements were put in place to accommodate displaced corps members. The principal of Abubakar Dada Secondary School in Paiko collaborated with the state government and NYSC officials to provide classrooms as makeshift lodgings while repairs are being organised.

Bago commended the swift response of the assessment team and the school authorities, describing their cooperation as an example of community solidarity in times of crisis. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of corps members, promising that the state would not compromise on their safety or living conditions.

The governor also assured the NYSC management that Niger State remains a reliable partner in sustaining the national youth service scheme, adding that the government will strengthen infrastructure at the Paiko camp to better withstand future extreme weather events.