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.

Troops Kill Five Boko Haram Fighters, Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Troops of the Joint Task Force Northeast, under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have neutralised five Boko Haram terrorists and rescued three kidnapped civilians in the Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Following credible intelligence reports, the operation took place at the Sojiri crossing point in the early hours of Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Troops Engage Terrorists at Sojiri Axis

According to the OPHK Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops worked alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to confront the terrorists.

He said the encounter lasted about 30 minutes and resulted in the killing of five terrorists, with no casualty recorded on the side of the troops.

Three Abducted Civilians were rescued.
Lt-Col. Uba revealed that the troops also rescued three kidnapped individuals, made up of two men and one woman.

The victims were abducted last year from communities located around the fringes of the Sambisa Forest.
Weapons and Logistics Recovered
Troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and other logistics during the operation, which they believe the terrorists used to attack nearby communities.

We have secured the recovered items and are currently providing necessary support to the rescued civilians.

The military reaffirms its commitment to civil protection.
Lt-Col. Uba said the operation reflects the military’s commitment to sustained offensive action against terrorist groups in the Northeast.

He emphasised the importance of cooperating with local security partners, noting that such collaboration continues to yield positive results.

Despite ongoing security challenges in the Lake Chad region and Sambisa Forest, the military assured that troop morale remains high and operational dominance is being maintained across the theatre.

Muslims Around the World Mark the Blessed Birth of Imam Ali (AS) on 13th Rajab

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Muslims across the world have commemorated the blessed birth of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), the father of Imam Hassan (AS) and Imam Hussain (AS), which is observed on the 13th of Rajab in the Islamic calendar.

Imam Ali (AS), the cousin and son-in-law of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), occupies a unique and exalted position in Islam.

He was born within the sacred precincts of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, an honour granted to no other person, signifying his special status in the history of Islam.

The occasion was marked with special prayers, Qur’anic recitations, religious sermons, and acts of charity, as believers reflected on the virtues of Imam Ali (AS), including his deep piety, unmatched courage, humility, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to justice and truth.

Islamic scholars and clerics used the opportunity to remind the faithful that Imam Ali (AS) remains a timeless example of righteous leadership, selflessness, and devotion to Allah.

They urged Muslims to emulate his character by standing for justice, protecting the oppressed, and strengthening unity within the Ummah.

The commemoration of 13th Rajab serves as a moment of spiritual renewal, calling believers to reaffirm their love and loyalty to the Ahlul Bayt (AS) and to live by the noble principles exemplified by Imam Ali (AS) throughout his life.