4 dead as heavy rainstorm hits Bauchi

Four traders have been killed in Bauchi as severe rainstorm wreaks havoc.

The incident happened at IBB Square, the venue of the recently concluded North East Trade Fair.

A devastating storm hit Saturday night, killing two people on the spot and causing widespread destruction, including damage to the Gombe and Yobe States’ pavilions and numerous business tents at the fairgrounds.

Two additional victims succumbed to their injuries later at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH).

SP Ahmed Wakil, the Bauchi Police Command’s spokesperson, confirmed the casualties in a statement released to the press on Sunday.

He identified the deceased 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. A fifth individual, Fatima Isa, 31, of Inkil, is currently receiving treatment and is showing signs of improvement.

Emergency response teams, led by the police and other security agencies, promptly began search and rescue operations following the incident.

SP Wakil stated that five individuals were found trapped under the debris and were rushed to the hospital. Sadly, four of them did not survive.

Authorities are now focusing on evaluating the damage caused by the storm.

To ensure public safety and prevent potential criminal activity, a police presence has been deployed at the site following the storm.

The North East Trade Fair, which was inaugurated by Vice-President Kashim Shettima on May 18, 2024, is organized by the North East Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, with support from the six states in the region.