At least five traders were killed at the at the just concluded 15th Joint North East Trade Fair organised by the North East Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture in Bauchi State.
Daily Trust gathered that the heavy rain accompanied by strong winds started around 8pm on Saturday.
It reportedly destroyed the pavilions, killing two people on the spot while five others sustained various degrees of injuries and were evacuated to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi.
Hospital sources told Daily Trust that five people died and three others were still receiving medical attention.
“We received a certain number of casualties from the scene of the incident, unfortunately two were brought in dead and three had severe injuries from the head to the abdomen and they died shortly after arrival. Currently, we have three patients with multiple fractures who are receiving treatment and are gradually improving.”
Meanwhile, Bauchi State Police Command through its spokesperson, SP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the incident, saying, “On the evening of June 1st, 2024, Bauchi Metropolis experienced a severe rainstorm accompanied by strong winds. The IBB Square, which hosts the just concluded North East Trade Fair, was significantly affected.”
Coups can’t succeed without politicians – Abdulsalami
Minimum Wage: NANS urges FG to accept labour demands
Wakil said the storm caused damage to the Gombe and Yobe States pavilions and several business tents within the trade fair complex.
“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 Ahmed Alfa, Malam Musa, and an unidentified person believed to be from Gombe, lost their lives in the incident.”
He however, noted that one individual, Fatima Isa, is currently receiving medical treatment and showing positive signs of recovery.
