Police: Four killed, one injured in Bauchi rainstorm

The police command in Bauchi says four people were killed and one injured in a rainstorm that ravaged the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) square on Saturday.

In a statement on Sunday, Ahmed Wakil, the police spokesperson in Bauchi, said the IBB square hosted the just concluded north-east trade fair.

Wakil said the storm damaged the Gombe, and Yobe state pavilions and several business tents within the trade fair complex.

“Following the incident, emergency response teams, led by the police and other security agencies, swiftly initiated search and rescue operations,” the statement reads.

“Tragically, five individuals were found under the fallen structures and were promptly taken to the hospital.

“Regrettably, four (4) individuals, including Abdullahi Abubakar 38 years of Yakubu Wanka, Sadik Ahmed Alfa ‘M’ 32 years of Fadaman Mada, Malam Musa from Maliya Furnitures Tudun Salmanu, and Abdulaziz Abdurrahman ‘M’ of Gombe Gombe State, lost their lives in the incident.

“However, one individual, Fatima Isa ‘F’ 31 years 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.

“Additionally, 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.”

On May 18, Vice-President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the 15th edition of the north-east joint domestic trade fair and other significant projects in Bauchi.