The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has confirmed the death of two children following separate fire outbreaks in Dutse, Jigawa State.
The command’s spokesperson, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani Mahmud, made this known in a statement issued on Thursday.
He said the first incident occurred in the early hours of March 17 at about 4am in the Layin Dabinai area, close to Masallacin Malam Babba.
Mahmud explained that the fire, whose cause is still unknown, spread rapidly and razed parts of a residence occupied by two children of Aminuddeen Abubakar, a staff member of the Federal University, Dutse.
He noted that although emergency responders made efforts to contain the blaze, the victims, aged two and six, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The NSCDC spokesman added that a second fire outbreak was recorded on March 19 at about noon within the Gida Dubu area.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from an electrical spark in the kitchen of one Nura Garba, popularly known as Dangwan Gwan.
The flames were said to have spread to neighbouring buildings belonging to Mu’azu Garba and Mohammed Aliyu, also known as Jaujen Hadejia, destroying parts of their kitchens and roofing.
However, no life was lost in the second incident as firefighters responded promptly and curtailed the spread of the fire.
Mahmud said authorities would further investigate both incidents to determine their causes and recommend preventive measures.
He added that the command had extended condolences to the bereaved family and sympathised with those affected, while urging residents to take necessary precautions against fire outbreaks.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property in the state.