The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the deaths of four traders following severe rainstorms accompanied by strong winds at the IBB Square in Bauchi State.
The police spokesman, SP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday.
Wakil identified the victims 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.
According to him, Fatima Isa, 31, of Inkil, is currently receiving medical treatment and showing positive signs of recovery after the incident.
The spokesman explained further that 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, 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.
It was gathered that the storm, which began last night, killed two people on the spot, and two others later died at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH).
The storm also caused significant damage to the Gombe and Yobe States pavilions and touched several business tents within the IBB Square, which hosted the recently concluded North East Trade Fair.