At least four traders lost their lives due to a severe rainstorm with strong winds at the IBB Square in Bauchi State, the venue of the recently concluded North East Trade Fair.
The storm, which began on Saturday night, led to the deaths of two people on site and caused significant damage to the Gombe and Yobe States pavilions, as well as several business tents within the trade fair complex.
Two other victims, who sustained injuries, later died at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital.
SP Ahmed Wakil, spokesman for the Bauchi Police Command, confirmed the incident in a statement released to journalists on Sunday.
He identified the deceased as 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.
Another individual, Fatima Isa, 31, from Inkil, is receiving medical treatment and showing signs of recovery.
According to Wakil, emergency response teams, led by the police and other security agencies, quickly initiated search and rescue operations following the incident.
Five individuals were found under the fallen structures and promptly taken to the hospital.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, Mines, and Agriculture, with support from 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.
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