Fire claims six children in Plateau

Residents of Mangu in Plateau State have been left devastated after a late-night fire claimed the lives of six siblings on Thursday.

Confirming the incident, local resident Saidu Nasir said the children’s parents were deeply shaken by the tragedy.

“I know their father.

He is a vulcanizer. The whole family is in mourning. We pray God comforts them,” he said.

The children — aged between four months and 12 years — were inside their home near the Old Mangu Market when the fire broke out at about 2 a.m., according to a relative, Umar Babangida.

He explained that the children’s mother sustained burns while trying to rescue them and is receiving treatment at Allah Nakowa Hospital in Mangu.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, though there was electricity supply before the family went to bed.

“We cannot say exactly what led to the incident,” Babangida noted.

“All we know is that we received a distress call that the house was on fire.”

He added that Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the chairman of Mangu Local Government Area visited the bereaved family to offer condolences and pledged support to rebuild the home.

“We are grateful to everyone who came to help,” he said, appreciating the outpouring of support from residents across faiths who rushed to assist during the emergency.