Midnight Inferno Claims 6 Lives In Plateau

A mid-night inferno has occurred around Old Mangu Market of Mangu local government area of Plateau State, claiming the lives of six members of Malam Sanusi Maifaci’s family on New Year Day.

The family of the victims said the deceased were aged between four months and 12 years.

Umar Babangida Aliyu, an uncle to the victims, while narrating the incident, said the fire started around 2am on Thursday when family members were already sleeping.

Aliyu explained that the deceased’s mother was badly injured and is currently receiving treatment at Allah Nakowa Hospital in Mangu town.

“The mother and her nine children were watching TV up to 11pm and the three males among them went to sleep and left the mother and the six children.

“We cannot categorically say the cause of the fire. but all we know is that, there was electricity before they went to bed. Around 2:30am, we were called that fire has engulfed the house. The mother tried all she could to bring her children out of the room but she couldn’t. That was why she sustained burns,” he said.

According to the deceased’s uncle, Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the Mangu LGA chairman have visited the affected family and urged them to take solace in God, adding that the governor has promised to support the family to rebuild the house.

“The governor and our local government chairman have visited us to offer their condolences. We are grateful to all those who came to the family’s rescue during the incident. During the fire outbreak, we have seen love from both Muslims and Christians who trooped in their numbers to help rescue the victims,” Aliyu said.

LEADERSHIP reports that the incident has thrown members of the community into mourning, with many sympathisers trooping to the victim’s family house to offer their condolences.