At least five children have lost their lives, while another sustained injuries, following the collapse of a fence in the Bulumkutu area of Maiduguri, Borno State.
Chronicle NG gathered that the incident occurred at about 8pm on Sunday.
Confirming the incident in an interview on Monday, the Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, said the injured child was receiving treatment, while an investigation had commenced into the incident.
He said, “Yesterday (Sunday), at about 8pm, we received a report through the Divisional Police Officer of the Bulumkutu Division that a fence collapsed 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.”
Speaking on the steps taken by the command, Daso stated that investigations had begun to determine the cause of the collapse and whether negligence was involved.
“The first action by the command is that we have immediately commenced an investigation into the fence—how it fell and other issues surrounding the incident.
“We want to know if there was any act of negligence or other factors involved,” he added.
He also asked the public to follow proper structural requirements while constructing buildings and to keep a watchful eye on their children.
“Nevertheless, we are calling on members of the public to be mindful of structural positioning, maintain good structural standards, and keep a close eye on their children,” he said.
