2nd September, 2012
A two century old high mud wall has collapsed after a heavy downpour in Bauchi, North western Nigeria, killing two persons and injuring three other.
The ancient wall, known as Ganuwa, said to have been built during the Jihad of Othman Dan Fodio in Northern Nigeria, formed part of the official residence of the Galadima of Bauchi, Alhaji Ibrahim Jahun. It collapsed saturday afternoon.
The ward head of Unguwar Jahun, where the incident occurred, Malam Abu Ibrahim, said that those injured were receiving treatment at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi.
“This is the first time the tallest mud wall in the area collapsed on the people”, Ibrahim said and urged residents living close to the building to vacate the area “at least till the the end of the rainy season”.
Ibrahim, who condoled the families of the victims, told newsmen that the deceased had been buried according to Islamic rites.
Residents of the area appealed to the traditional ruler to rehabilitate the wall, saying it was “outdated”.
The residents also called on the state government to compensate the families of the victims.
Jahun, a King Maker of Bauchi Emirate Council, and also the District Head of Zungur, prayed Allah to forgive the sins of the deceased and wished the injured persons quick recovery. He also urged residents of the area to relocate to other places temporarily.
The Galadima assured that the emirate council would take urgent steps to prevent a total collapse of the structure. (NAN)