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.

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.

Buni Donates N35m to Nigeria Legion, Honours Fallen Heroes, Receives New Air Force Recruits

By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu
1st January, 2026

Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni on Wednesday launched the 2026 Emblem Appeal Week with a strong show of support for retired soldiers and families of fallen heroes, donating a total of N35 million to the Nigeria Legion in the state.

The donation comprised N30 million on behalf of the Yobe State Government and an additional N5 million personal contribution by the governor.

Governor Buni, while flagging off the appeal, paid glowing tribute to Nigerian soldiers who made ultimate sacrifices on the local, regional, and international fronts in defence of the nation’s peace, unity, and sovereignty. He described the fallen heroes as patriots whose courage and commitment laid the foundation for the security and freedom enjoyed across communities.

According to a statement by the Director General of Media and Press Affairs to the Governor, Mamman Mohammed, the occasion serves as a reminder of the immense role played by the Nigerian Armed Forces in confronting security challenges facing the country.

“Today reminds us of the enormous contributions made by our gallant soldiers in overcoming insecurity, including the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality,” Mohammed said.

Reflecting on the sacrifices made on the frontlines, the governor noted with deep emotion that many soldiers lost their lives, while others sustained life-altering injuries in the course of defending Nigeria’s peace and unity.

“They paid the supreme price so that humanity can enjoy peace, security, and liberty in our various communities,” Buni said, adding that Nigerian troops have continued to make the country proud in international peacekeeping missions under the United Nations, ECOWAS, and other regional and global organisations.

The governor, therefore, appealed to individuals, corporate bodies, and organisations to generously contribute to the Emblem Appeal Fund to support veterans, widows, and the families of fallen heroes.

Meanwhile, in a related development, Governor Buni also received newly passed-out Nigeria Air Force recruits of Yobe State origin at the Government House, Damaturu.

He charged the young airmen to uphold discipline, professionalism, and loyalty to the nation, urging them to serve as worthy ambassadors for Yobe State wherever they were deployed.

“You should submit yourselves to the laws of your profession and be excellent ambassadors of Yobe State,” the governor advised.

The recruits, in their response, expressed gratitude to the state government for providing a solid educational foundation that contributed to their success. They assured the governor of their commitment to flying the Yobe State flag high and serving the nation with dedication and honour.