At least four traders died in a severe rainstorm at the IBB Square in Bauchi State, where the North East Trade Fair had recently concluded.
The storm, which struck on Saturday night, also caused significant damage to the Gombe and Yobe States pavilions and several business tents.
Two people died at the scene, and two others, who were injured, later passed away at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital.
The spokesman for the Bauchi Police Command, SP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the incident on Sunday.
He identified the victims 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 added that another individual, Fatima Isa, 31, from Inkil, is currently receiving medical treatment and showing positive signs of recovery.
“Tragically, five individuals were found under the fallen structures and were promptly taken to the hospital,” Wakil said. “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.”
Emergency response teams, led by the police and other security agencies, swiftly initiated search and rescue operations following the incident. 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 Trade Fair was organized by the North East Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture and supported by the six states of the region. Nigeria’s Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, inaugurated the 15th Edition of the Joint Domestic Trade Fair in Bauchi on May 18, 2024.
