Infant Killed, Two Injured As Fire Razes IDPs Camp In Borno

A baby has been confirmed dead, while two persons sustained injuries during a fire outbreak at customs IDPs camp along Mafa road, Maiduguri, Borno State. 

 

It was gathered that the fire incident happened twice on Tuesday, February16, one in the morning and the second one in the afternoon. 

The first incident occurred at 7:30 am at a section of the camp and the fire was smothered immediately. Another fire at about 1 pm broke out and gutted tents at different locations in the camp. 

 

Firefighters tried their best to tackle the fire but the fire overpowered them. An infant was burnt beyond recognition while two adults sustained burns in the incidents. 

 

In all, a total of 620 shelters were reportedly burnt by the fires which were separately put out jointly by security personnel and federal and state firefighters.

The acting Zonal Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA) North East Zone, Maiduguri, Ishaya Chinoko, who confirmed the incidents, said initial needs assessment has been conducted in collaboration with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BOSEMA) and other humanitarian partners and that shelter was identified as being the most pressing need of the victims.

 

"Relief would soon be provided to the affected victims,” he added.

 

The camp had a total of 14,250 displaced persons from three local government areas of Dikwa, Mafa and Bama, the coordinator said. 

 

Meanwhile, the chairman of Mafa local government area, Hon. Ali Abatcha Kawu visited the scene and said he will do everything possible to help the affected families.