A devastating fire outbreak has left a family shattered in Mangu town, Plateau State, after six children from the same household lost their lives in the early hours of Thursday, plunging the community into mourning.
The incident occurred near the Old Mangu Market area, where the siblings—aged between four months and 12 years—were trapped when fire engulfed their home in the middle of the night.
A resident, Saidu Nasir, confirmed the tragedy on Friday, describing the children’s father as a vulcanizer and noting that the family has been overwhelmed by grief.
According to relatives, the fire broke out at about 2:00 a.m. An uncle of the victims, Umar Babangida, said the children’s mother was inside the house with them at the time and suffered severe burns while trying to rescue them.
She is currently receiving treatment at Allah Nakowa Hospital in Mangu.
Another family member explained that the mother and her nine children had been watching television until around 11:00 p.m. Later in the night, the three older male children went to sleep in a separate area, leaving the mother with the six younger children, who later became victims of the fire.
“We cannot categorically say what caused the incident,” a relative said. “There was electricity supply before they went to bed. At about 2:30 a.m., we received a distress call that the house was already on fire.”
Despite desperate efforts by the mother to pull the children out, the flames spread rapidly, making rescue impossible.
Following the incident, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area visited the bereaved family to express their condolences.
The governor reportedly urged the family to take comfort despite the tragic loss and pledged government support, including assistance to help rebuild the destroyed home.
Family members also acknowledged the overwhelming support from the community.
“During the fire outbreak, we saw love from both Muslims and Christians who came out in large numbers to help,” a relative said, expressing gratitude to residents who responded to the emergency.
The tragedy has renewed calls within the community for greater fire safety awareness, improved emergency response, and safer electrical practices, especially in densely populated residential areas.
Local authorities are expected to further assess the situation as the family begins burial arrangements for the deceased children.
Source: Africa Publicity
