Tragedy struck in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State as a fire outbreak claimed the lives of the Vice Principal of Dugja Bayan Tasha Junior Secondary School, Malam Aliyu Mohammed, his wife, and their three children. The devastating incident occurred on Sunday, with neighbors recounting how the family struggled in vain to escape the inferno.

Although the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, eyewitnesses suspect an electrical spark in the living room ignited the flames, which quickly spread throughout the house. A resident, Kabiru Musa, described the tragic scene, stating that the fire blocked all exits, leaving the family trapped behind burglar-proof barriers. Thick smoke and intense heat ultimately led to their suffocation before rescuers could intervene.

Reacting to the incident, the Southern Borno Progressive Union expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss, describing it as a significant blow to the community and the education sector in Borno State. The union highlighted Malam Aliyu Mohammed’s selfless contributions to education, emphasizing that his death leaves a huge void in the local school system.

The late Vice Principal and his family have since been buried in Biu, in accordance with Islamic rites. The incident has sparked concerns about fire safety measures in residential buildings, with residents calling for increased awareness and preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.