A midnight building collapse in Karaoke, Zaria City, Kaduna State, has claimed the lives of a mother and her three children, leaving the community in deep mourning.
The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) confirmed the incident, which occurred between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, when the wall of a neighbouring mud house fell onto the victims’ room. KADSEMA spokesperson, Philip Ahmadu Dominic, said, “It was a heartbreaking scene. The wall caved in suddenly while the family was asleep. Sadly, we lost Mallama Habiba Nuhu, her two daughters, Hauwa’u and Aina’u, and her grandchild, Za’uma.”
According to him, the father of the family, Mallam Nuhu Dogara, survived the incident and was rushed to the hospital for treatment before being discharged. Dominic added that the agency received the report late but has already commenced arrangements for an on-site assessment and support for the bereaved family. “We are preparing to visit the scene for proper assessment and to engage with the affected relatives,” he said.
A relative of the victims, Mallam Ahmed Ibrahim, described the collapse as a devastating loss. “We have buried them in line with Islamic rites. This is a tragedy the family will never forget,” he said, noting that heavy rainfall may have weakened the mud structure before it gave way.
The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Hassan Munsir, said he could not confirm the incident at the time of inquiry.
