3 students burnt beyond recognition as fire guts UNIMAID female hostel

At least three female student were injured with one of them burnt beyond recognition in a raging fire at the female hostel of the University of Maiduguri, (UNIMAID) on Saturday.

The unfortunate incident comes barely two weeks after a similar conflagration at Aisha Buhari lodge, another female hostel of the institution.

The inferno which began at about 7:10 a.m destroyed properties and other valuables of students at Murtala female hostel, a flat in the section of the building was said to have been razed during the incident.

Reports gathered said that the incident occurred when one of the students was cooking at A4/ Room 1. The names of the two students affected could not be ascertained.

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Sources revealed that many students from the hostel who scampered for safety as the fire turned into a massive blaze accompanied by thick smoke and flames, were heard calling out the management of the university for help as one of the injured victim was laying down on the floor.

The university fire service team and security operatives were said to have teamed up to prevent the fire from escalating and damaging surrounding hostels.

Professor Danjuma Gambo, Director Radio and Public Relations of the university confirmed the incident in a statement.

According to him, a preliminary investigation showed that the kerosene explosion caused by suspected adulteration was responsible for the fire.

Gambo said one of the affected students was severely injured, adding that the trio are currently undergoing treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Maiduguri.

“The fire has already been put out by men of the University’s Fire Service Unit. No other parts of the hostel have been affected by the fire,” it read.

“This unfortunate incident is regrettable, especially in view of recent efforts by management to enforce fire safety regulations in student hostels.