By Olukayode Idowu, Maiduguri
A mystery fire yesterday killed not less than 14 people at an internally displaced persons camp (IDPs) camp in Borno State.
According to an official of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BISEMA) the fire which source remained unknown also got 15 persons injured.
Ngala is a town that shares border with Cameroon and had been variously attacked by Boko Haram insurgents.
According to the SEMA official the fire incident happened yesterday afternoon.
He said the incidents engulfed parts of the camp destroying many shelters, leading to the death of 14 persons and injuries to 15 others.
According to the officials the fire outbreak left many temporary shelters destroyed, 14 persons dead, fifteen other injured including seven elderly and eight minors.
He said men of the state emergency management agency were sent to rescue the situation and put out the fire.
Confirming the incident the chairperson of SEMA, Hajiya Yabawa Kolo said 11 persons were killed in the incident.
The test message she sent to our correspondent read: “Yet to receive comprehensive reports so far it is reported that 11 persons died.”
A tweet by United Nations Office of Coordinator of Humanitarian Affairs in Nigeria also conformed the incident.
A verifiable tweet from the UN agency read: “Another fire outbreak ravaged a camp for internally displaced ppl in #Borno
“Our sympathy goes to the many affected
“At least 14 IDPs perished in fire, 15 injured. over 300 shelters were burned down
It revealed that: “Aid workers are treating the wounded and mobilising urgent support for over 8,000 people living in the IDP camp.”
