Five people die as two buildings fall in Kano

At least five people have died, and 10 others were rescued after two buildings collapsed in Kumbotso and Fagge Local Government Areas of Kano State.

Reports say the incidents happened on Saturday at Gaida in Kumbotso and Kurna in Fagge. The Kano State Fire Service got calls for help at about 2:34 pm and 2:40 pm.

This information came from a statement released on Sunday by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi.

The first collapse took place at Gaida, close to Salbas Filling Station. An unfinished building measuring about 50 by 50 feet fell on six workers.

“Firefighters from the state fire service headquarters were quickly sent to the scene and rescued two workers alive, named 17-year-old Muhammad Hassan and 19-year-old Khalid Abubakar.

“Four other workers were rescued unconscious but later confirmed dead. They were identified as Sunusi Surajo, 18; Bashir Ibrahim, 20; Ibrahim Ibrahim, 25; and Abubakar, 30,” the statement said.

All six victims were taken to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital and later handed over to Inspector Adamu Garba of the Kofar Wanbai Police Division.

The second building fall happened at an Islamiyya school called Khadija Idris Bala, located behind the Primary School in Kurna, Fagge Local Government Area.

“Firefighters from the Kurna Fire Station rescued eight out of the nine students affected by the collapse,” the statement said, adding that the victims were aged between 12 and 15 years.

The ninth victim, 14-year-old Khadija Muhammad, was rescued unconscious but later confirmed dead.

“The victims were then handed over to the school headmaster, Muhammad Gambo Usman,” the statement added.

The reasons for both collapses are still being investigated.

In response to these incidents, the Fire Service urged building owners, contractors, and construction workers to follow safety rules and stick to approved building standards, especially during the rainy season.

“We ask the public to take building safety seriously and ensure that proper standards are followed to prevent unnecessary loss of lives,” the service said.

The agency also advised residents to report building emergencies quickly so firefighters can respond fast and reduce casualties.