President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajiya Sadiya Farouk, to investigate last Thursday’s fire outbreak at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Borno State.
The President’s directive was given on the heels of a fire incident, which occurred at the Ngala IDP Camp in Borno State, which reportedly claimed lives of 14 persons and left several others injured on Thursday.
Buhari, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, also charged the ministry to carry out a thorough investigation of the incident and unravel the circumstances that led to the fire.
He, however, expressed sadness over the incident, especially over the death of 14 internally displaced persons, describing it as “extremely horrifying”.
“President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday evening described as ‘extremely horrifying’, the news of the death of 14 persons and injury to many from a fire incident at an IDP camp in Ngala, Borno State.
“Reacting to the sad incident, the President directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to investigate and report the circumstances leading to the incident, and advise on how a future occurrence will be averted.
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“He further directed that urgently needed assistance be immediately given to the victims, and prayed to Allah to repose the souls of those whose lives were lost, and the quick recovery of the injured persons,” the statement said
The President also mourned the death of former Kano State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Alhaji Aliyu Umar (SAN).
Buhari, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, noted that the late Umar dedicated his life to the service of the country and humanity.
The President, however, sent his message of condolences to the Kano State government, the people of the state, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the family of the deceased.
“President Muhammadu Buhari joins the government and people of Kano State in mourning former Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Alhaji Aliyu Umar, SAN, who passed on Friday, recalling his sacrifices, dedication and commitment to pursuit of justice in the country.
“The President commiserates with family members of the erudite lawyer, Nigerian Bar Association and all professional colleagues, especially in the public service, affirming that the deceased dedicated his life and intellect to the service of the country and humanity.”
