By Abdul Kareem

A devastating fire outbreak at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Maiduguri, Borno State, has claimed the life of a 12-year-old girl, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. 

The inferno, which erupted amidst the dry season, has left many the inmates of Muna IDP camp injured and hundreds of homes, predominantly constructed with thatched and radial grasses, reduced to ashes.

Sources from the scene revealed that the fire outbreak, which has sadly become an annual ritual during the dry season, took a particularly heavy toll on vulnerable residents, with children and the elderly bearing the brunt of the tragedy.

State Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Barkindo Muhammad, confirmed the devastating incident, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life and the widespread destruction caused by the raging flames. 

“Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragic event. It is truly a heart-wrenching moment for all of us,” Dr. Barkindo stated.

The recurring nature of fire outbreaks at the IDP camp underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures and disaster preparedness to protect the lives and livelihoods of the camp’s inhabitants.