Tragedy Strikes IDP Camp in Maiduguri: Fire Claims Life of 7-Year-Old

By Emmanuel Kwada

A devastating fire outbreak at the Munna Albadawi Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State has destroyed ten makeshift shelters and claimed the life of a 7-year-old boy, Abubakar Gargar. The fire, which started at approximately 3:00 a.m. on March 20, 2025, engulfed foodstuffs, clothing, and other personal belongings.

According to the camp chairman, Babangida Mahmud, the fire’s cause is yet to be determined, and the total value of damages has not been ascertained. The Borno State Fire Service, in collaboration with security agencies, managed to contain the fire, but not before significant damage had been done.

Tragically, young Abubakar Gargar lost his life in the inferno. His body was photographed and released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), NEMA, and other humanitarian agencies have deployed their officials to assess the level of destruction.

Fire outbreak at the Munna Albadawi Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State has destroyed ten makeshift shelters and claimed the life of a 7-year-old boy, Abubakar Gargar

This incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by IDPs in Nigeria, who often live in makeshift shelters with limited access to basic necessities. The fire outbreak serves as a reminder of the need for improved infrastructure and emergency response systems in IDP camps.