In a tragic turn of events, a severe rainstorm accompanied by strong winds hit Bauchi State, leading to the deaths of four traders and causing significant damage at the IBB Square. The storm, which began on the night of June 1st, wreaked havoc on the recently concluded northeast trade fair held at the square.
According to reports from The Nation, the storm caused the immediate deaths of two traders and extensive damage to the Gombe and Yobe States pavilions, along with numerous business tents within the trade fair complex. Two additional injured victims succumbed to their injuries later at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH).
The Bauchi Police Command's spokesman, SP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the incident and provided details about the deceased. The victims were identified as:
- Abdullahi Abubakar, 38, from Yakubu Wanka
- Sadik Ahmed Alfa, 32, from Fadaman Mada
- Malam Musa from Maliya Furnitures, Tudun Salmanu
- Abdulaziz Abdulrahman from Gombe State
Additionally, Fatima Isa, 31, from Inkil, who was injured during the storm, is currently receiving medical treatment and showing signs of recovery.
Following the incident, emergency response teams led by the police and other security agencies promptly initiated search and rescue operations. In a statement released to journalists, SP Ahmed Wakil detailed the efforts: “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 necessary steps to address the aftermath of the storm, including depositing the deceased individuals at the mortuary. Efforts are underway to assess the extent of property damage caused by the storm.
The northeast trade fair, which was held at the IBB Square, was inaugurated by Nigeria’s Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, on May 18, 2024. The event, which drew significant participation from traders across the region, has now ended in tragedy due to the unexpected and severe weather conditions.
In another report, the Bauchi state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Ahmed Aliyu Jalam, lost his life in a car accident. The late commissioner, along with his driver, died while traveling to his hometown in Jalam, Dambam, a local government area of the state. The state governor, Bala Mohammed, confirmed Jalam's death in a statement issued on Sunday, June 2, by his special adviser on media and publicity, Mukhtar Gidado.
The loss of lives and extensive damage in Bauchi State due to the heavy downpour underscore the need for improved weather forecasting and emergency preparedness to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters in the future.
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