A night-time fire outbreak around the old Mangu Market in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State has claimed the lives of six siblings, throwing the community into deep mourning.
A spokesperson for the family of Malam Sanusi Maifaci confirmed that the victims were children aged between four months and 12 years.
Recounting the incident, an uncle of the deceased, Umar Basbangida Aliyu, said the fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday at about 2:00 a.m. He explained that the children’s mother sustained severe injuries while attempting to rescue them and is currently receiving treatment at Allah Nakowa Hospital in Mangu town.
According to Aliyu, the mother and her nine children had been watching television until about 11:00 p.m., after which the three male children went to sleep, leaving the woman with the six younger ones in the room.
“We cannot categorically say what caused the fire, but we know there was electricity before they went to bed,” he said. “Around 2:30 a.m., we were alerted that the house had been engulfed by fire. The mother did everything she could to bring her children out, but she was unable to do so, and that was how she sustained serious injuries.”
Aliyu disclosed that Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, accompanied by the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, visited the bereaved family to commiserate with them over the tragedy. He said the governor urged the family to take solace despite the loss and promised to support them in rebuilding their destroyed home.
He also expressed appreciation to members of the community for their swift response and solidarity during the incident.
“During the fire outbreak, we witnessed love from both Muslims and Christians, who came out in large numbers to help rescue the victims. We are grateful to everyone who stood with us at this painful time,” Aliyu said.
