Tuesday, November 3, 2026

UNICEF mourns 26 children killed in DR Congo fire

UNICEF stated that the fire affected homes and two primary schools in Furaha and Ujamaa.

• September 12, 2026
Democratic Republic of Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo (credit: wikipedia

About 26 children were killed and 25 others injured during a fire outbreak in Bukavu, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, on Thursday

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) stated this in a statement on Saturday, noting that the incident occurred on Thursday while the children were in class at about 9 a.m

”We extend our sincere condolences to the bereaved families and express our solidarity with the children, families, and communities affected by this tragedy.

“The fire affected homes and two primary schools in Furaha and Ujamaa, with a tragic human toll, while the injured children are currently receiving medical care,” UNICEF said.

It added that the impact of the fire on children was long-lasting, stressing that beyond the destruction of homes and schools, children were facing psychological distress in an already volatile environment marked by armed conflict and insecurity.

“UNICEF is working with partners to support affected children, families and communities providing mental health and psychosocial support to children, including students, and affected community members. and supporting access to education so affected students can continue the school year.”

UNICEF added that eleven children, separated from their parents, were reunited with their families.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Nigerian Bar Association

States

Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future

The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

FRSC

States

847 motorists arrested for ​‌⁠​‍‍⁠number plate violations in Cross River, says FRSC

Mr Mohammed stressed that enforcement would continue beyond the special operation.

Governor Ademola Adeleke

States

Osun to establish University of Ilesa Teaching Hospital

The bill was earlier passed in September and forwarded to the governor for his assent but was returned for amendment due to the clause omission.

NDC Ladipo Johnson.

Politics

Lagos NDC ​‌⁠​‍‍⁠⁠‍‌⁠​‍​‍​⁠‌​senatorial candidate cautions political parties against violence

Mr Johnson called on political parties and their supporters to educate their members on peaceful political engagement.

Blessing CEO

NationWide

Social media influencer Blessing CEO begs Nigerians to forgive her misdeeds following son’s death

Blessing CEO stated, “To those who no longer love me because of my actions, I am sorry.”

Africa Credit Rating Agency

Heading 4

AfCRA fixes March 2027 for publication of first African sovereign credit ratings

Mr Falala described borrowing costs as a major burden for African economies.

First Bank

Sport

First Bank announces ₦34 million prize for 65th Lagos Amateur Open Golf championship 

Professional golfer and defending champion, Monday Eze, commended FirstBank for raising the winner’s prize in the professional category to ₦10 million.