Fire destroys military checkpoint in Yobe

A fire outbreak on Thursday afternoon razed eight shelter rooms and a mosque at a military checkpoint along Gombe Road in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State.

One military personnel sustained injuries in the incident.

Eyewitnesses said the fire was first noticed at about 1:30 pm when thick smoke began billowing from the checkpoint, prompting residents and security personnel to raise the alarm.

“People tried to put out the fire immediately, but it spread very fast. The smoke was heavy, and almost the entire shelter area was affected,” an eyewitness said.

Confirming the incident in a telephone interview, the Head of the Local Emergency Management Committee of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ahmad Daya, said emergency responders acted swiftly to contain the blaze.

“Our personnel responded immediately, and the fire was successfully brought under control. The injured military officer was evacuated for urgent medical attention, and efforts are ongoing to assist those affected,” Daya said.

Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, although the exact cause is yet to be determined. No fatalities were recorded.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, while the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency has commenced coordination of relief efforts to provide shelter and other basic necessities for those displaced by the fire.