Mother, 5 Children Die in Katsina Building Collapse after Heavy Rainfall
- A mother and her five children were killed when their home collapsed during heavy rainfall in Dankama village, Katsina state
- The family was asleep when the wall gave way, while four others were injured and taken to the hospital
- The father, Muhammad Sani Garba, who was away at the time, described the tragedy as the will of Allah
Tragedy struck Dankama village in Kaita Local Government Area of Katsina state as a mother and her five children lost their lives when part of their home collapsed during a downpour in the early hours of Monday.
The incident, which occurred around 2:00 am, claimed the lives of 45-year-old Mariya Sani and her children - Mujahid (20), Zahariya (18), Hauwa (15), Amira, and five-year-old Nura - while they were asleep.
Source: Original
Four other members of the household sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Six dead after building collapses
The head of the affected household, Muhammad Sani Garba, who was not at home when the collapse occurred, spoke to journalists amid mourning.
“This happened to about ten people, but sadly six didn’t make it. Right now, four are in the hospital receiving treatment,” he said.
The building, described as a traditional family home, gave way following hours of torrential rain that weakened its structure.
Local residents said the rain had been unusually intense, flooding parts of the village and causing damage to several homes, though none as severe as the Garba residence.
Neighbours commiserate with bereaved family
As news of the loss spread, the Dankama community was overwhelmed with sorrow. Family members, neighbours, and sympathisers have continued to visit the home to offer condolences and support to the bereaved father.
Many described the deceased children as respectful and helpful, with the family known for their humility and close ties to the community.
Despite the overwhelming grief, Muhammad Sani expressed unwavering faith in God.
“I see this as a will of Allah’s. May He grant them eternal rest,” he told reporters, holding back tears.
Source: Twitter
Authorities have responded to the tragedy, with the Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirming the incident.
Hajiya Binta Dangani, Executive Director of SEMA, stated that the agency had deployed staff to the site for assessment and further assistance. She added that investigations into the structural failure would help guide future preventive measures in the area.
Heavy rain incoming as NiMet issues warning
Recall that NiMet warned of thunderstorms and widespread rainfall expected across Nigeria from Friday to Sunday, affecting at least 10 northern states.
The agency predicted light to moderate rain in the North Central and Southern regions, with cloudy skies and heavier downpours in the afternoon and evening.
Nigerians were urged to take precautions as strong winds were expected to accompany the storms, and airlines were advised to obtain specific weather reports.
NiMet list 24 states to be affected by strong wind
Previously, Legit.ng reported that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had notified residents of Edo, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of a 48-hour downpour.
NiMet also warned residents of 22 other states about the impending downpour, which it said would begin on Thursday, September 28.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
