5 children killed as fence collapses in Borno

A tragic accident in the Bulumkutu area of Maiduguri, Borno State, has claimed the lives of five children after a fence collapsed on them, leaving another child injured.

The incident occurred at about 8pm on Sunday, January 4, when the structure, it was learned, gave way, trapping six children beneath it. One of the victims survived and is currently receiving medical care.

Confirming the development on Monday, the Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said investigations had already begun to determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

He said, “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 explained that the police are examining the integrity of the structure and whether negligence played a role in the incident.

While highlighting the efforts of the police regarding the incident, Daso said, “The first action by the command is that we have immediately commenced investigation into the fence, how it fell, and other issues surrounding it.

“So, we want to know if there is any act of negligence or whatever thing that surrounds it,” he added.

He also urged residents to ensure proper building standards and to closely monitor children around residential structures.

“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 said.

The incident has revived concerns over building safety in Maiduguri, especially during adverse weather conditions. In July 2024, heavy rainfall caused the collapse of eight buildings in different parts of the city, displacing several residents.

The downpour, which lasted about three hours, affected areas including Bulumkutu, Abuja, Moduganari, Ngomari, and other riverbank communities.

Speaking at the time, Daso stated, “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.

“Unfortunately, eight buildings collapsed, but no casualties were recorded,” he stated.