A fire outbreak has destroyed more than 76 temporary shelters belonging to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Ngamma village, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, North-East Nigeria.
The affected IDPs are predominantly migrants from neighbouring Borno State who had been taking refuge in the host community following years of insurgency and displacement.
Following directives from Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) promptly visited the scene of the incident to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the damage.
Preliminary findings indicated that one person sustained injuries and was hospitalised, while at least one household was completely razed by the inferno. The fire also destroyed livestock and several bags of foodstuffs, further worsening the humanitarian situation of the displaced families.
Eyewitnesses and victims, many of whom were seen in tears, recounted how the fire rapidly engulfed the shelters, leaving them with little or nothing salvaged. They appealed to government authorities and humanitarian organisations for urgent assistance and support to help them rebuild their lives.
Authorities are yet to determine the cause of the fire, even as calls intensify for immediate relief materials and longer-term support for the affected IDPs.
