A tragic fire outbreak has claimed the lives of two children of a staff member of the Federal University Dutse (FUD), Jigawa State, casting a shadow over the Eid-el-Fitr celebration in the state capital.

The incident occurred on the eve of Sallah at Layin Dabinai, within the Gida Dubu Housing Estate in Dutse, where the victims were reportedly trapped in an inferno that engulfed their residence.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa State, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, said the command recorded two separate fire incidents in Dutse on the same day.

He explained that the first fire broke out near Masallacin Malam Babba at Layin Dabinai, where a building was razed.

“Two children belonging to a staff member of the Federal University Dutse were trapped in the blaze,” he said.

Tijjani added that a second fire incident was, however, swiftly contained due to the prompt intervention of firefighters, preventing further casualties and destruction.

The NSCDC spokesman noted that the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, adding that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incidents.

He extended the condolences of the command to the bereaved family and urged residents to observe strict fire safety measures to prevent future occurrences.

The unfortunate incident has thrown the Dutse community into mourning, as residents mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitr in grief. (TRIBUNE)