No fewer than four traders have reportedly lost their lives due to severe rainstorms accompanied by a strong wind at the IBB Square in Bauchi State, which hosts the just concluded North East Trade Fair.
The storm, which started last night, immediately claimed two lives and significantly damaged the Gombe and Yobe States pavilions, along with several business tents within the trade fair complex.
The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) reported the deaths of two more injured victims later.
Spokesman of the Bauchi Police Command, SP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday.
He identified those who lost their lives in the incident as Abdullahi Abubakar, 38, of Yakubu Wanka; Sadik Ahmed Alfa, 32, of Fadaman Mada; Malam Musa from Maliya Furnitures Tudun Salmanu; and Abdulaziz Abdulrahman from Gombe State, adding that one individual, Fatima Isa ‘F’, 31 of Inkil, is currently receiving medical treatment and showing positive signs of recovery.
According to him, following the incident, emergency response teams, led by the police and other security agencies, swiftly initiated search and rescue operations.
“Tragically, five individuals were found under the fallen structures and were promptly taken to the hospital.
“However, one individual, Fatima Isa ‘F’, 31 years old, is currently receiving medical treatment and showing positive signs of recovery.”
“The authorities have taken the necessary steps, including depositing the deceased individuals at the mortuary, to address the aftermath of the storm.”
“Efforts are underway to assess the extent of property damage caused by the storm. To ensure public safety, a police presence is being maintained at the square to prevent criminal activities in the wake of this unfortunate event,” the statement reads.
Recall that Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, inaugurated the 15th edition of the Joint Domestic Trade Fair in Bauchi on May 18, 2024.
The trade fair was organised by the North East Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture and supported by the six states of the region.
