Windstorm Kills Two Children, Injures Two In Bauchi
Two children have died while two others sustained injuries after a windstorm uprooted a tree under which they had taken shelter during a heavy downpour in Bashe Village, on the outskirts of Burra in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident and urged residents, particularly parents and guardians, to discourage children from seeking refuge under trees during storms and heavy rainfall.
The command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Nafiu Habib, said in a statement on Tuesday that the Burra Divisional Police Headquarters received a report from the officer in charge of the Bashe Police Outstation on Monday about the incident.
According to Habib, five children — Amina Maharazu, 8; Asiya Tasiu, 8; Samaila Tasiu, 10; Sulaiman M. Rabiu, 12; and Yusuf M. Salmanu, 8 — had taken shelter beneath a tree to escape the rain when strong winds uprooted it, causing it to collapse on them.
He said officers were immediately deployed to the scene and evacuated the victims to the Primary Health Care Centre in Bashe for treatment.
Habib disclosed that Amina Maharazu and Asiya Tasiu were confirmed dead by medical personnel.
He added that Samaila Tasiu escaped without injuries, while Sulaiman M. Rabiu and Yusuf M. Salmanu sustained injuries and are responding to treatment.
The police spokesperson said the scene had been documented and the bodies of the deceased were released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
He noted that an investigation into the incident was ongoing.
Habib further said the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, sympathised with the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured children.
He also appealed to parents and guardians to educate children on the dangers of taking shelter under trees during storms to prevent similar incidents.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
