Windstorm kills two children sheltering under trees in Bauchi

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The Bauchi State Police Command has warned residents, particularly parents and guardians, against taking shelter under trees during heavy rainfall after a windstorm killed two children and injured two others in Bashe Village, on the outskirts of Burra in Ningi Local Government Area of the state.

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

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Habib disclosed that the Burra Divisional Police Headquarters received a report from the officer-in-charge of the Bashe Police Outstation on Monday that a downpour accompanied by a violent windstorm had hit the village.

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According to him, five children — Amina Maharazu, eight; Asiya Tasiu, eight; Samaila Tasiu, 10; Sulaiman M. Rabiu, 12; and Yusuf M. Salmanu, eight — all residents of Bashe Village, had taken shelter under a tree to escape the rain.

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He noted that the tree was uprooted by the windstorm and fell on the children.

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Habib stated, “On receipt of the report, policemen were immediately mobilised to the scene and rushed the victims to the Primary Health Care Centre, Bashe, for medical attention.

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“Two of the victims, Amina Maharazu and Asiya Tasiu, were certified dead by a medical practitioner. Samaila Tasiu escaped unhurt, while Sulaiman M. Rabiu and Yusuf M. Salmanu are currently receiving treatment and responding positively.”

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He added that the scene had been documented, while the bodies of the deceased were released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

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According to him, an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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Habib added that the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commiserated with the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured children.

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He also urged parents and guardians to educate children on the dangers of taking shelter under trees during storms and heavy rainfall to prevent similar tragedies.

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