Fire outbreaks kill 3 children, injure 13 in Yobe
At least three children have lost their lives and 13 others sustained injuries following a series of devastating fire outbreaks across nine communities in Yobe State. The infernos, which occurred between January and March, 2024, also left 86 houses in ruins, displacing several residents. The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), […]
At least three children have lost their lives and 13 others sustained injuries following a series of devastating fire outbreaks across nine communities in Yobe State.
The infernos, which occurred between January and March, 2024, also left 86 houses in ruins, displacing several residents.
The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), Dr Mohammed Goje, gave the breakdown in Damaturu, the state capital.
He identified electrical faults, careless open-fire handling, cooking gas leaks, bush burning, and improper waste disposal as the primary causes of the fires.
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According to him, the affected communities, spread across Damaturu, Gulani and Yusufari local government areas, have been grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.
He added that in response, YOSEMA has intensified fire safety awareness campaigns and established community safety committees to enforce preventive measures, especially during the dry harmattan season.
Dr Goje emphasised that the agency, in collaboration with the state’s fire service, would enforce strict regulations on bush burning and improper waste disposal to minimise fire risks and safeguard lives and property.
Meanwhile, Governor Mai Mala Buni, has directed YOSEMA to conduct an assessment of the destruction to determine the immediate and long-term needs of affected households.