Police Warn Residents Against Sheltering Under Trees After Windstorm Kills Two Children in Bauchi
The Bauchi State Police Command has advised residents, especially parents and guardians, to discourage children from taking shelter under trees during heavy rainfall after a tragic windstorm claimed the lives of two children and left two others injured in Bashe Village, Ningi Local Government Area.
The warning followed a rainstorm that struck the community, bringing strong winds that uprooted a large tree under which several children had gathered to escape the downpour.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Nafiu Habib, the Burra Divisional Police Headquarters received information about the incident through officers attached to the Bashe Police Outstation.
The victims were identified as Amina Maharazu, 8, Asiya Tasiu, 8, Samaila Tasiu, 10, Sulaiman M. Rabiu, 12, and Yusuf M. Salmanu, 8, all residents of Bashe Village.
Preliminary findings showed that the children had sought refuge beneath a tree during the heavy rain when powerful winds uprooted the tree, causing it to collapse on them.
Police officers responded immediately after receiving the distress report and rushed the victims to the Primary Health Care Centre in Bashe for emergency medical treatment.
Medical personnel later confirmed that Amina Maharazu and Asiya Tasiu died from injuries sustained during the incident.
Samaila Tasiu escaped without injuries, while Sulaiman M. Rabiu and Yusuf M. Salmanu sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment. Authorities said both children are responding well to medical care.
The police also documented the scene as part of ongoing investigations before releasing the bodies of the deceased to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic traditions.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, expressed deep sympathy to the grieving families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured children.
He described the incident as unfortunate and urged members of the public to remain cautious during severe weather conditions.
The commissioner also appealed to parents and guardians to educate children about the dangers associated with seeking shelter under trees during storms, warning that strong winds can easily uproot trees and lead to fatal accidents.
Safety experts have consistently advised that during thunderstorms, people should avoid standing under isolated trees, electric poles, or weak structures, as they pose serious risks during strong winds and lightning.
Residents have also been encouraged to seek refuge in safe and secure buildings whenever heavy rainfall and windstorms occur to reduce the chances of similar tragedies.
Authorities say investigations into the incident are ongoing as efforts continue to promote public awareness on weather-related safety across affected communities.
