A severe rainstorm on Saturday claimed the lives of four traders at the IBB Square in Bauchi State, where the North East Trade Fair was recently held.
The storm, which commenced on Saturday night, led to the unfortunate demise of two individuals and inflicted significant damage on the pavilions of Gombe and Yobe States, along with numerous business tents within the trade fair complex.
Two additional victims, initially injured, succumbed to their injuries at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital.
In a statement released to journalists on Sunday, SP Ahmed Wakil, spokesperson for the Bauchi Police Command, confirmed the incident.
He identified the deceased as Abdullahi Abubakar, 38, from Yakubu Wanka; Sadik Ahmed Alfa, 32, from Fadaman Mada; Malam Musa from Maliya Furnitures Tudun Salmanu; and Abdulaziz Abdulrahman from Gombe State.
He also mentioned that Fatima Isa, 31, from Inkil, is currently undergoing medical treatment and showing positive signs of recovery.
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Following the incident, emergency response teams, led by the police and other security agencies, swiftly commenced search and rescue operations.
Wakil further elaborated, “Tragically, five individuals were found under the fallen structures and were promptly taken to the hospital.
However, one individual, Fatima Isa, 31 years old, of Inkil, 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 North East Trade Fair, organized by the North East Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine, and Agriculture and supported by the six states of the region, had been inaugurated by Nigeria’s Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, on May 18, 2024.
