Tragedy in Maiduguri as Collapsing Wall Kills Five Children

Tragedy in Maiduguri as Collapsing Wall Kills Five Children

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

A quiet evening in the Bulumkutu community, Maiduguri, turned tragic after a house wall collapsed, killing five children and leaving another injured in Borno State.

The heartbreaking incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, when a wall suddenly gave way and fell on six children who were in the area. The rubble trapped the victims, all under the age of 16.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the development on Monday, stating that five of the children died immediately, while one survived with injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri.

According to him, the incident was reported through the Divisional Police Officer of the Bulumkutu Division, prompting an immediate response by security operatives.

“Yesterday, at about 8:00 p.m., we received a report of a wall collapse that trapped six children. Unfortunately, five of them lost their lives, while one sustained injuries and is presently on admission,” Daso said.

He added that the police have launched a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse, including whether negligence or poor construction standards played a role.

“The command has commenced an investigation into the fence collapse and all issues relating to how the children were trapped. We want to establish if there was any form of negligence,” he stated.

The police spokesperson urged residents to observe proper building standards and ensure that structures within their compounds are safe, especially during the rainy season. He also advised parents and guardians to closely monitor their children to prevent similar tragedies.

The incident comes amid growing concerns over building safety in Maiduguri. Just on July 30, 2025, heavy rainfall reportedly caused the collapse of eight buildings in parts of the metropolis, displacing several residents.

As the community mourns the young lives lost, authorities are calling for greater vigilance, improved construction practices, and increased parental supervision to avert further losses.