Tragedy struck the Bulumkutu area of Maiduguri on Sunday night after a fence collapsed on six children, killing five and leaving one injured.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Nahum Daso, said the lone survivor is currently receiving medical treatment, while investigations have commenced to determine the cause of the collapse.
“Yesterday, we received a report through the Divisional Police Officer of Bulumkutu Division of a fence which fell on six children,” Daso said. “Unfortunately, five of the children, all below the age of 16, lost their lives, while one sustained injuries and is currently in the hospital.”
Daso explained that the police have begun a detailed probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including possible structural defects or negligence.
“The first action by the command is that we have immediately commenced investigation into the fence, how it fell, and other issues surrounding it,” he stated. “So, we want to know if there is any act of negligence or whatever thing that surrounds it.”
He also urged residents to observe proper building standards and closely monitor children, especially during periods of adverse weather.
“Nevertheless, we are calling on members of the public to be mindful of structural positioning, maintain good structural standards, and keep an eye on their children,” the police spokesperson added.
The latest incident comes amid concerns over structural safety in Maiduguri, particularly during the rainy season. It will be recalled that heavy rainfall recently collapsed eight buildings and displaced several residents across parts of the state capital.
The downpour, which lasted about three hours, affected communities in Bulumkutu, Abuja, Moduganari, Ngomari and other riverbank areas.
Speaking on the earlier incident, Daso said police officers were deployed for emergency assessments and patrols across the affected locations.
“In the wake of the heavy rainfall that affected parts of Maiduguri, Gomari, Bulumkutu, Jidari, ITE and others, the Borno State Police Command has swiftly carried out on-the-scene assessments and deployed patrol teams across the impacted areas,” he said. “Unfortunately, eight buildings collapsed, but no casualties were recorded.”
Authorities say investigations into the latest tragedy are ongoing, as residents continue to call for stricter enforcement of building regulations to prevent further loss of life.
