Tragedy struck in the early hours of Tuesday in Dankama Local Government Area of Katsina State, when a building collapsed during a torrential downpour, killing a mother and five of her children.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. while the family was asleep. The victims were identified as 45-year-old Mariya Sani and her children: Mujahid (20), Zahariya (18), Hauwa (15), Amira, and five-year-old Nura.
The head of the family, Muhammad Sani, who was away when the collapse happened, described the event as a devastating loss.
“This affected about 10 people, but sadly, six didn’t survive. Three are currently receiving treatment in the hospital,” Sani said, adding that he was in shock upon receiving the news.
Emergency responders reported that three other occupants of the building sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment.
The tragedy has plunged the Dankama community into mourning, with sympathisers thronging the family’s home to offer condolences.
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“I surrender to Allah’s will. May He grant them eternal rest,” the bereaved father said.
Confirming the incident, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Hajiya Binta Dangani, stated that officials had visited the family to commiserate and assess the damage.
She assured that the state government would provide support as part of its disaster response measures.
The building collapse comes amid warnings from authorities about the dangers of structural weakness during heavy rains in northern Nigeria.