Strong Windstorm Claims Lives of Two Children in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has advised residents, especially parents and guardians, to avoid sheltering under trees during heavy rainfall. This warning comes after a windstorm killed two children and injured two others in Bashe Village, near Burra in Ningi Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Nafiu Habib, shared this information in a statement on Tuesday.

Habib explained that the Burra Divisional Police Headquarters got a report from the officer in charge of the Bashe Police Outstation on Monday. The report said a heavy downpour along with a strong windstorm had struck the village.

According to him, five children, Amina Maharazu, eight; Asiya Tasiu, eight; Samaila Tasiu, 10; Sulaiman M. Rabiu, 12; and Yusuf M. Salmanu, eight, who live in Bashe Village, sought shelter under a tree to avoid the rain.

He mentioned that the wind uprooted the tree, causing it to fall on the children.

Habib said, “After receiving the report, police officers were quickly sent to the location. They took the victims to the Primary Health Care Centre in Bashe for medical help.

“Sadly, two of the victims, Amina Maharazu and Asiya Tasiu, were pronounced dead by a doctor. Samaila Tasiu was unharmed, while Sulaiman M. Rabiu and Yusuf M. Salmanu are currently being treated and are improving.”

He also noted that the scene has been documented. The bodies of the deceased were handed over to their families for burial according to Islamic customs.

Habib stated that an investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, expressed condolences to the grieving families and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured children.

He also called on parents and guardians to teach children about the risks of seeking shelter under trees during storms and heavy rain to avoid similar incidents.