ABUJA: Seven people were killed and two injured in a devastating building collapse incident in a camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Borno state, northeast Nigeria. The incident unfolded when a classroom being used as shelter for scores of IDPs in the town of Monguno collapsed following heavy rains.
The incident occurred around 1930 GMT on Monday, with the AFP sources attributing the collapse to the impact of torrential rains that had battered the area the previous day. The classroom, part of a secondary school turned IDP camp, buckled under the stress caused by the prolonged downpour.
Musa Kaka, leader of an anti-militant militia, shared the grim news, revealing, “Seven people were killed in (the) incident and two others were injured and presently in hospital.” The affected structure had reportedly been weakened by a previous fire outbreak, and the relentless rain on Sunday further exacerbated its vulnerability, according to Bello Adamu, another militiaman, who concurred with the casualty count.
Insurgency in Nigeria
Monguno, situated 135 kilometers (85 miles) from the regional capital Maiduguri, is home to a significant number of IDPs who sought refuge from their towns and villages to escape the scourge of insurgency. This violent insurgency has tragically claimed the lives of an estimated 40,000 people. The displaced individuals, estimated to be around two million since the start of the rebellion in 2009, live in makeshift camps under the protection of military and militia forces.
The ill-fated building was part of an IDP camp where approximately 5,000 people reside within classrooms. The tragedy highlights the precarious living conditions faced by those who have been displaced from their homes due to conflict.
The victims were laid to rest on Tuesday, a somber event attended by resident Ahmad Babangida, who recounted, “My friend’s son was among the seven dead and his wife is in hospital with a fractured leg.” – AFP
