Not less than four traders have been killed due to a severe rainstorm accompanied by strong winds at the IBB Square in Bauchi State, the site of the recently concluded North East Trade Fair

According to reports, the storm, which struck last night, killed two people instantly and caused extensive damage to the Gombe and Yobe States pavilions, as well as several business tents within the trade fair complex. Two other injured victims later died at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH).

The Bauchi Police Command’s spokesman, SP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the incident in a statement 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. One individual, Fatima Isa, 31, of Inkil, is currently receiving medical treatment and showing signs of recovery.

In response to the incident, emergency teams led by the police and other security agencies quickly initiated search and rescue operations.