Five children have been confirmed dead while one sustained injuries after a fence collapsed in the Bulumkutu area of Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to reports, the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Confirming the tragedy on Monday, the Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said the survivor is currently receiving treatment at a hospital, while investigations have begun to determine the cause of the collapse.
According to Daso, the incident was reported through the Divisional Police Officer of the Bulumkutu Division.
“Yesterday at about 8pm, a report was received that a fence collapsed on six children. Unfortunately, five of them, all below the age of 16, lost their lives, while one sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment,” he said.
He added that the police have commenced a full investigation to determine whether negligence or structural failure was involved.
“We are investigating how the fence collapsed and whether there was any form of negligence,” Daso stated.
The police spokesman urged residents to adhere to proper building standards and closely monitor children around residential structures.
The incident comes months after heavy rainfall caused the collapse of several buildings in parts of Maiduguri, including Bulumkutu, though no casualties were recorded at the time.
