Tragedy struck the Bulumkutu area of Maiduguri, Borno State, on Sunday evening when a fence collapsed, killing five children and injuring another. The incident occurred around 8:00 p.m., according to initial reports.
ASP Nahum Daso, the Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, confirmed the incident to PUNCH on Monday. He said the surviving child is receiving medical care, while an investigation into the collapse is ongoing.
“Yesterday, at about 8pm, we received a report through the Divisional Police Officer of Bulumkutu Division of a fence which fell on six children. 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 stated.
The police have launched an investigation to determine whether negligence or other factors contributed to the collapse. Daso urged residents to observe proper structural standards and monitor their children closely.
“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,” he added.
The tragedy follows months of heavy rainfall in Maiduguri that previously caused the collapse of eight buildings in areas including Bulumkutu, Abuja, Moduganari, and Ngomari, though no casualties were reported at that time. The police had carried out on-site assessments and deployed patrol teams to the affected areas.
