Yobe checkpoint fire destroys eight shelters and a mosque, injures one soldier; emergency teams quickly control the blaze

A fire outbreak on Thursday afternoon destroyed eight shelter rooms and a mosque at a military checkpoint along Gombe Road in Potiskum Local Government Area, Yobe State, injuring one military personnel.

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Eyewitnesses reported that the fire began around 1:30pm when smoke was first seen rising from the checkpoint. Residents and military personnel quickly raised the alarm.

“People immediately tried to control the fire, but it spread very fast. The smoke was thick, and the fire affected almost the entire shelter area,” one eyewitness said.

Ahmad Daya, Head of the Local Emergency Management Committee of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the incident in a phone interview.

He said emergency teams acted swiftly to contain the blaze.

“Our personnel responded immediately, and the fire was successfully brought under control. The injured military officer was evacuated for urgent medical attention.

We are now working to provide assistance to those affected,” Daya stated.

Preliminary reports indicate that the cause of the fire remains unknown, although a suspected electrical fault may have triggered the outbreak. No other casualties were reported, and investigations are ongoing.

The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency is coordinating relief efforts to support those displaced by the fire, providing shelter and basic necessities to victims.

Earlier on Thursday, a separate fire gutted a petroleum and cooking gas filling station along the Bukuru Expressway in Jos, Plateau State.

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Flames reportedly originated from a major underground petroleum discharge tank, highlighting ongoing safety concerns at key facilities nationwide.