Heavy downpour that pommeled Bauchi State has left four traders dead at the IBB Square area of the state, which recently hosted the North East Trade Fair.
It was gathered that the traders lost their lives following the severe rainstorms that were also accompanied with strong winds.
The storm, which began on Saturday night, prolonging into the early hour of Sunday, killed two people on the spot and wrecked significant portion of the Gombe and Yobe States pavilions within the Trade Fair complex.
Many business tents within the complex were not spared as the storm swept them away.
Two other victims were taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) for emergency care but they later died.
The Bauchi Police Command Spokesman, SP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday.
He identified 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 as persons that were kïlled by Downpour.
According to Wakil, one Fatima Isa, 31, of Inkil, is currently receiving medical treatment and showing signs of recovery.
According to him, following the incident, emergency response teams, led by the police and other security agencies, swiftly initiated search and rescue operations.
“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 the necessary steps, including depositing the deceased individuals at the mortuary, to address the aftermath of the storm.”
“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.” Wakil stated.
