Windstorm kills two children sheltering under trees in Bauchi

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.”

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.

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

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.

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.