By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi

Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the death of Four people following severe rainstorm accompanied by strong winds that hit the North-East Domestic Trade fair complex in Bauchi.

The confirmation was contained in a statement by the Command PPRO, SP Ahmed Wakili made available to Journalists in Bauchi on Sunday.

According to him, “On the evening of June 1st, 2024, at about 0900pm Bauchi Metropolis experienced a severe rainstorm accompanied by strong winds. The IBB Square, which hosted the just concluded North East Trade Fair, was significantly affected.”

The PPRO added that the storm caused damage to the Gombe and Yobe States pavilions and several business tents within the trade fair complex.

According to him,”Following the incident, emergency response teams, led by the police and other security agencies, swiftly initiated search and rescue operations.”

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

“Regrettably, Four individuals, including Abdullahi Abubakar 38 years of Yakubu wanka, Sadik Ahmed Alfa, 32 years of Fadaman Mada, Malam Musa from Maliya Furnitures Tudun Salmanu, and Abdulaziz Abdurrahman of Gombe Gombe State, lost their lives in the incident,” he added.

However, one individual, Fatima Isa, 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 and to ensure public safety, a Police presence is being maintained at the square to prevent criminal activities in the wake of this unfortunate event.

Also confirming the incident, the management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi stated that not fewer than Five people were killed while others were injured.

The Public Relations Officer of ATBUTH, Usman Abdullahi Koli spoke to Journalists about the incident on Sunday.

He said that the Hospital recieved Six victims were brought for medical attention out which three of died on arrival to the Trauma Center of the hospital, while the other Three are currently receiving treatment.

The PRO said that, “It is true we received certain number of casualties from the scene of the incident, unfortunately Two were brought in dead after dying on the spot from the severe injuries on the head to the abdomen. The other one died shortly after arrival and the we have three patients with multiple fructured receiving treatment and gradually improving.”

He also said that, “Once our medical team conclude the report, we will provide an update, but at the moment this is what we have on ground.”

Some of the eyewitness who were occupying some of the attachment shops at the trade fair complex lamented on the buildings of the structured destroyed by the windstorm saying it was substandard building materials that were used by the contractors, while other said that it was the act of God that led to the death of the victims.

In his response to the incident, State Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Mahmood Baba Ma’aji who is also in charge of the trade fair, confirmed the destruction caused by heavy rain fall and windstorm around between 8:30 to 9 pm on Saturday night.

According to him, “This incident occurred around 8 pm yesterday, it was due to a heavy downpour and strong windstorm that occured, and the state government is not happy with what had happened.

He however said that,”It is the work of God, therefore not something that one should put the blame on the contractor or any individuals so this has happened and also affected some part of the metropolis.”

The Commissioner added that, “Certainly, the trade fair has closed about a week or so now, and people are still doing some little businesses, they are not those that participated fully they only occupied those places involved in this tragedy.”

“The people should now leave the place the government has asked them to leave the place so they take a stand on it,” he said.

He added that, “I was there last night to see what happened. Government has put efforts together with the support of state emergency management agency (SEMA) and the fire service officials, they were the ones who rescued the injured ones and those that lost their lives instantly.”