Tragedy struck Mangu town in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on Thursday night as a fire outbreak claimed the lives of six children from the same family.
The incident occurred around the Old Mangu Market area, plunging residents into grief and throwing the affected family into mourning.
The victims, aged between four months and 12 years, were reportedly trapped in the inferno and could not be rescued.
A resident of the community, Saidu Nasir, confirmed the incident on Friday, describing the children’s father as a vulcaniser well known in the area.
He said the family had been devastated by the loss and called for prayers and support for them.
An uncle of the children, Umar Babangida, said the fire broke out in the early hours of Friday, around 2am.
He disclosed that the children’s mother sustained serious burns while attempting to save them and is currently receiving treatment at Allah Nakowa Hospital in Mangu.
According to him, the mother and her nine children had earlier been watching television before retiring for the night.
He said the three older boys slept separately, while the woman stayed with the younger children, who were later trapped when the fire started.
Babangida said the cause of the fire could not be immediately established, noting that there had been electricity supply before the family went to bed.
He added that neighbours were alerted after the fire had already engulfed the house.
He further revealed that Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the chairman of Mangu Local Government Area visited the family to commiserate with them.
During the visit, the governor reportedly urged the family to remain strong and assured them of government support to help rebuild the destroyed home.
The uncle also praised residents of the community for their swift response, noting that people from different religious backgrounds came together in an attempt to help during the incident, describing it as a show of unity in the face of tragedy.