Two children were killed and two others injured after a windstorm uprooted a tree that fell on five children sheltering from heavy rain in Bashe Village, near Burra in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Police spokesperson Superintendent Nafiu Habib said the Burra Divisional Police Headquarters received a report on Monday that a downpour accompanied by a violent windstorm had struck the village. The victims were identified as Amina Maharazu, 8; Asiya Tasiu, 8; Samaila Tasiu, 10; Sulaiman M. Rabiu, 12; and Yusuf M. Salmanu, 8.
Officers rushed the children to the Primary Health Care Centre in Bashe, where Amina Maharazu and Asiya Tasiu were confirmed dead. Samaila Tasiu escaped unhurt, while Sulaiman M. Rabiu and Yusuf M. Salmanu are receiving treatment and responding positively.
Police said the scene was documented, the bodies were released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites, and an investigation is ongoing.
Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu expressed condolences to the bereaved families and urged parents and guardians to warn children against taking shelter under trees during storms and heavy rainfall.
