At least 16 people were injured and 13 rescued when a residential building collapsed in the early hours of Saturday in Kano State, authorities have confirmed.
The incident occurred in the Dan Dishe area of Kwanar Yashi, within Fagge Local Government Area. Emergency responders were alerted at approximately 4:32am, prompting an immediate deployment of the Kano State Fire Service’s Emergency Response Unit from its headquarters to the scene.
According to a statement by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Saminu Abdullahi, the two-storey structure measured roughly 20 by 30 feet. Rescue teams extracted 13 victims from the debris: 10 were found alive, while three others were pulled out unconscious.
The conscious survivors were identified as Al-Mustapha Yusuf (15), Khadija Yusuf (7), Ummusalama Yusuf (10), Madina Yusuf (6), and Hafsat Yusuf (9). The three unconscious victims were named as Affan Yusuf (5), Hassana Yusuf (7), and nine-month-old Ummulkursum Yusuf.
Eight additional survivors could not be immediately identified, the fire service added. All victims were handed over to Usman Ibrahim, a paternal uncle of the children, for further medical attention and care.
“Upon receiving the report, personnel from the headquarters were immediately mobilised. On arrival, they discovered that a residential building of approximately 20 by 30 feet had collapsed,” the statement read.
The precise cause of the collapse remains unknown, though an investigation has been launched by the state fire service. In the meantime, officials have urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly during the rainy season, and to report any visible structural defects to relevant authorities to avert future tragedies.