A devastating rainstorm accompanied by strong winds has claimed the lives of a woman and her four-year-old granddaughter in Bara community, Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The victims, identified as 50-year-old Aisha Sagir and Aisha Shuaibu, were said to have died when the severe weather swept through Unguwar Katsinawa in Bara Village on Tuesday.
The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday through its spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, who described the development as tragic.
According to the command, the downpour, which was accompanied by violent winds, also left a trail of destruction across the community, damaging homes, livestock and other valuables worth millions of naira.
Habib said preliminary findings indicated that the storm struck the area during a period of intense rainfall, resulting in widespread devastation and the loss of lives.
“The severe weather incident led to the deaths of Aisha Sagir, 50, and her four-year-old granddaughter, Aisha Shuaibu, both residents of Unguwar Katsinawa in Bara Village,” the police spokesperson stated.
He added that officers attached to the Kirfi Divisional Police Headquarters were immediately deployed to the affected community to assess the situation and maintain public order.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, had extended condolences to the bereaved family and residents of Kirfi Local Government Area over the unfortunate incident.
Aliyu sympathised with those affected by the disaster and prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased, while urging residents to remain cautious during the rainy season.
“The Commissioner of Police expressed deep sympathy to the family of the victims and the people of the area.
He prayed for the souls of the deceased and asked God to grant their loved ones the strength to bear the loss,” Habib said.
The command reiterated its commitment to working with relevant agencies to support emergency response efforts and protect lives and property across the state.
It also advised residents to remain vigilant during periods of heavy rainfall and promptly alert emergency and security agencies whenever disasters or other emergencies occur.