Bonfire renders teacher, 7 children homeless in Lokoja

A middle-aged woman, Hajia Aisha Kende Dailla, and single mother with 7 children have been rendered homeless after a devastating fire razed their three-bedroom apartment in Lokoja, Kogi state.

Consequently, she appealed to the Kogi state government, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and corporate organisations for assistance.

Narrating her ordeal Tuesday in Lokoja, Hajia Aisha, said the tragic incident occurred on Friday, August 28, 2026, at about 3:00 p.m. shortly after electricity supply was restored to the area following a three-day blackout.

The affected residence, located at First 200 Units along Mallam Hassan Road, near Wada Footballers Camp in Lokoja, was completely destroyed despite efforts by officials of the Federal Fire Service and residents to contain the inferno.

Aisha, a school teacher and indigene of Lokoja local government area, said the fire began from the ceiling due to what she described as a high-voltage surge when power was restored.

She lamented that all her belongings, including vital documents, educational certificates, and personal effects belonging to her five children and two other children under her care, were consumed by the fire.

“I lost everything I have worked for over the years within a few minutes. My children and I are now homeless, with no food, no clothes, and no means of survival,” she said.