Not fewer than five children have lost their lives, while one other sustained injuries following the collapse of a fence in the Bulumkutu area of Maiduguri, Borno State, on Sunday evening, officials have said.
It was learnt that the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Reacting to the incident, Nahum Daso, Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, said the survivor is currently receiving treatment, while investigations into the incident have commenced.
According to him, “Yes, the incident happened yesterday at about 8:00 p.m. We received a report through the Divisional Police Officer of Bulumkutu Division that a fence collapsed on six children.”
He added, “Unfortunately, five of the children, all below the age of 16, lost their lives, while one sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.”
Daso reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that investigations have begun to determine the cause of the incident.
“The first action by the command is that we have immediately commenced an investigation into the fence, how it collapsed, and other circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We want to establish whether there was any act of negligence,” he said.
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He also called on members of the public to adhere to proper structural standards when erecting buildings and to closely monitor their children.
“We urge members of the public to be mindful of structural safety, maintain good building standards, and keep a close watch on their children,” he added.
