Bauchi State‘s IBB Square was hit by a catastrophic storm, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of at least four traders. The North East Trade Fair, which had drawn many to the venue, was abruptly cut short by the intense rain and wind.
A ferocious storm that swept in on Saturday night left a trail of destruction at the North East Trade Fair, claiming two lives and ravaging the pavilions of Gombe and Yobe States. The tempest also reduced numerous business tents to rubble, leaving the complex in shambles.
The death toll rose as two injured victims, who had been receiving treatment at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, ultimately lost their lives, adding to the devastation.
Through a statement disseminated to the press on Sunday, SP Ahmed Wakil, the Bauchi Police Command’s spokesperson, formally verified the incident, providing a clearer picture of the devastating tragedy.
He identified those who lost their lives in the incident 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 adding that one individual, Fatima Isa ‘F’ 31 of Inkil, is currently receiving medical treatment and showing positive signs of recovery.”
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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 ‘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.
“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 statement read.
According to sources, the ill-fated Trade Fair was spearheaded by the North East Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture, with the collective backing of the region’s six states.
In a ceremony held on May 18, 2024, Vice President Kashim Shettima formally declared open the 15th edition of the Joint Domestic Trade Fair in Bauchi, setting the stage for a showcase of Nigeria’s economic prowess.