Five members of the same family, comprising a mother and four of her children, have died following the collapse of part of a residential building in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The incident occurred at about 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday at No. 41 Popo Giwa Street, beside Gogoro Mosque, in the Masalasi Gogoro area of Ilorin West Local Government Area.

Eight members of the family were reportedly inside the affected section of the building when it collapsed, trapping them beneath the rubble.

Emergency responders initially reported four fatalities and four survivors. Subsequent reports indicated that the death toll had risen to five, leaving three surviving members of the family.

The father, identified as a serving military officer who was on medical leave, was among those rescued alive. He was reportedly preparing to perform ablution when the building collapsed.

Rescue workers said a wooden component of the old structure prevented a heavy pillar from falling directly on him. Responders dug through the debris before pulling him to safety.

A child identified as Firdaus was also rescued from the collapsed structure, while the injured survivors were taken to a hospital for treatment.

The Kwara State Fire Service said it received a distress call at about 5:00 a.m. and immediately deployed personnel to the scene. An excavator was later brought in to assist with removing the rubble and reaching those trapped.

The Public Relations Officer of the state fire service, Hassan Adekunle, said the operation required the combined efforts of several emergency and security agencies.

Personnel from the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency, National Emergency Management Agency, Federal and State Fire Services, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Red Cross and health services participated in the rescue operation.

Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said preliminary findings showed that the collapsed section was attached to the main building.

Occupants of the remaining structure were evacuated as a precaution, pending a comprehensive assessment of its structural condition.

The fire service said the cause of the collapse had not been established and warned against speculation until a proper technical investigation was completed.

Representing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the scene, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Lawal Olohungbebe, described the incident as tragic and conveyed the state government’s condolences to the bereaved family.

Olohungbebe stressed the importance of complying with building and town-planning regulations, particularly requirements for access roads that enable emergency responders to reach distressed buildings quickly.

Ilorin West Local Government Chairman, AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, also urged residents to report visible structural defects and evacuate buildings whenever they notice cracks, unusual movements or other warning signs.

Authorities said a structural inspection would determine whether the remaining part of the building was safe for occupation or required further action.

The tragedy has renewed concerns over the condition of ageing residential buildings and the need for regular structural integrity assessments across Nigeria.

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A fire broke out at SPAR Calabar Mall in Cross River State on Saturday morning, August 22, 2026. The incident reportedly followed an explosion at the shopping complex.

Thick smoke rose from the mall as emergency efforts began. The fire also caused panic among people around the area.

Explosion Reportedly Triggered Fire

Early reports linked the fire to what some people described as a minor gas or fuel explosion. However, authorities have not confirmed the cause of the incident.

Videos and photographs from the scene showed flames affecting part of the mall. People also gathered outside the complex as emergency teams worked to control the fire.

The exact point where the fire started remains unclear. Authorities are expected to examine the site as part of efforts to establish what caused the reported explosion.

Extent of Damage Remains Unknown

The full extent of the damage was not immediately clear. It was also not known how many shops, facilities or goods the fire may have affected.

There were no confirmed reports of deaths or injuries as of the time of filing this report. Officials have yet to provide a full account of the incident.

The situation also raised concerns among businesses operating within the shopping complex. A major fire can disrupt commercial activity and cause losses for retailers, property owners and other businesses.

Fire Safety and Commercial Buildings

The incident highlights the importance of fire safety in large commercial properties. Shopping malls often receive large numbers of visitors each day. They therefore require reliable fire detection and emergency systems.

Building owners and facility managers must keep fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency exits and other safety systems in good working order. Regular inspections can also help identify risks before they become serious incidents.

Fire safety also matters during the design and construction of commercial buildings. Developers must consider safe evacuation routes and other measures that can protect people during emergencies.

Implications for Real Estate and Infrastructure

The fire also brings attention to the wider issue of safety in Nigeria’s commercial real estate sector. Modern retail centres form an important part of urban infrastructure. Their safety can affect businesses, workers, shoppers and surrounding communities.

Property managers also play an important role after construction. They must maintain safety equipment and ensure that staff understand emergency procedures.

For developers and investors, building safety remains an important part of responsible property management. Strong safety systems can help protect lives, property and business operations.

Investigation Expected

Authorities are expected to investigate the reported explosion and fire at SPAR Calabar Mall. The investigation should help establish the cause of the incident and determine the extent of the damage.

Further details are expected as emergency agencies and relevant authorities assess the affected facility.

The incident serves as a reminder that fire prevention and emergency preparedness remain important parts of managing commercial buildings. Strong safety measures can help reduce risks and protect people and property when emergencies occur.

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A destructive rainstorm has wreaked havoc in a Plateau State community, leaving numerous residents displaced and agricultural investments severely damaged. The severe weather incident, which was accompanied by violent gales and prolonged torrential downpours, hit the rural settlement unexpectedly during the week. According to community leaders and emergency responders, the natural disaster completely pulled off rooftops, collapsed structural walls, and rendered multiple family homes completely uninhabitable within a matter of hours.

Local sources confirmed that at least 20 residential buildings were severely compromised by the impact of the storm, forcing affected families to seek temporary shelter with relatives and neighbors in nearby villages. Beyond the destruction of residential infrastructure, the violent rainstorm flattened large expanses of cultivated agricultural land. Food crops including maize, guinea corn, and various tubers, which were nearing harvest cycles, were completely washed away, raising serious anxieties over impending food insecurity and severe economic losses for the local agrarian population.

The affected community has made an urgent appeal to the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency and public-spirited organizations to intervene swiftly with humanitarian relief materials. Displaced victims are currently in dire need of temporary roofing sheets, building materials, food supplies, and medical assistance to aid their recovery. Local government authorities have promised to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the structural and agricultural damages to ensure that accurate data is compiled for coordinated state government intervention and rehabilitation efforts.

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The death toll from devastating floods in Côte d’Ivoire has risen sharply to 59, more than four times the figure announced earlier on Wednesday, as rescue teams continue searching for missing persons.

Government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly announced the updated casualty figure after a cabinet meeting, describing this year’s flooding as “particularly high.”

He said search and rescue operations were ongoing, warning that the number of fatalities could increase as emergency responders reach more affected areas.

Coulibaly also urged residents to comply with government safety directives and evacuate communities identified as high-risk flood zones.

Earlier in the day, authorities had reported 12 deaths before the toll rose significantly following updated assessments.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Belmonde Dogo, said persistent rainfall that began on the night of June 27 triggered severe flooding and landslides across the commercial capital, Abidjan, and surrounding communities.

The floods caused extensive destruction, with roads submerged, vehicles swept away, and several neighbourhoods inundated, according to images and videos shared on social media.

The disaster comes as several West African countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, battle severe flooding caused by heavy seasonal rainfall.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, Africa remains one of the regions most vulnerable to extreme weather events despite contributing only a small share of global greenhouse gas emissions.

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One person is feared dead while several others remain trapped after a three-storey building under construction collapsed on Wednesday along Peter Odili Road, a highbrow area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The building reportedly caved in during construction, with eyewitnesses attributing the incident to possible structural defects, although the exact cause had yet to be officially determined as of press time.

Rescue workers have recovered the lifeless body of an unidentified victim from the rubble, while efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue others believed to be trapped beneath the collapsed structure.

Emergency response teams drawn from the Rivers State Government, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other relevant agencies were deployed to the scene shortly after the incident.

A survivor identified simply as Taiwo disclosed that at least seven workers were trapped when the building suddenly gave way.

“This morning, I went out to buy something. About eight people were working inside, and they said some of them are Hausa people. One of my brothers was inside. Four of them were brought out, but other people are still trapped,” he said.

Officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning, the Ministry of Health, security agencies, and emergency responders were seen coordinating rescue efforts at the site.

Speaking at the scene, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health and Director of Medical Services, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, said emergency teams were mobilised immediately after receiving reports of the collapse.

“We are here on Peter Odili Road following disturbing news this morning that a three-storey building collapsed around here. We quickly mobilised ambulance teams and medical personnel to support rescue operations,” he said.

According to him, two severely injured victims had already been rescued and transferred to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) for urgent medical attention.

“We have activated the Hospital Emergency Medical Services, and the Emergency Unit of RSUTH is fully prepared. NEMA, FRSC, NSCDC and other security agencies are all on ground. All hands are on deck to ensure those still trapped are rescued,” Wachukwu added.

Rescue operations were still ongoing at the time of filing this report as authorities worked to determine the number of victims and the cause of the collapse.

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A late-night fire outbreak on Thursday destroyed several shops, offices and other properties along Murtala Mohammed Way in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.

The incident occurred near First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and reportedly started from a salvage yard popularly known as the Takumbo Market before spreading to nearby commercial structures.

The Kano State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday by its Public Relations Officer, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi.

According to the statement, the Fire Service received a distress call at about 10:54 p.m. from one of its personnel, HFS Ibrahim Sabo, who alerted authorities to the outbreak.

Firefighters from the Service Headquarters and other metropolitan fire stations were immediately deployed to the scene to contain the blaze and prevent further destruction.

Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered that a one-storey building and an adjoining commercial area measuring approximately 300 by 200 feet had already been engulfed by flames.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire originated from the Takumbo Market salvage yard, where a significant quantity of goods and property was destroyed before the flames spread to neighbouring buildings.

The fire severely affected the upper floor of the Kanawa Building, destroying two offices, two parlours, two toilets and a kitchen.

Two stores located on the ground floor of TUSRAYS Nigeria Limited were also damaged during the incident.

The Fire Service attributed the cause of the inferno to an electrical spark.

Director of the Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Sani Anas, urged residents and business owners to adopt preventive safety measures to reduce the risk of fire disasters.

He advised property owners to ensure proper maintenance of electrical installations and strict compliance with safety standards.

Anas also appealed to members of the public to promptly report fire incidents to the nearest fire station to enable rapid emergency response.

“Early reporting helps to minimise damage and save lives and property,” he said.

No casualty was recorded in the incident as of the time of filing this report.

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A devastating windstorm has destroyed up to 1,200 houses across several communities in Niger State, leaving many residents displaced and properties severely damaged.

The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Comrade Abdullahi Baba Arah, disclosed this while presenting a situation report on Thursday in Minna.

According to him, the windstorm affected six Local Government Areas of the state, including Mokwa, Bida, Lavun, Katcha, Gbako, and Mariga.

Arah explained that the agency had already commenced rapid assessment of the affected communities to determine the scale of destruction and humanitarian needs of victims.

“The Niger State Emergency Management Agency has commenced rapid assessment following a devastating windstorm disaster that affected several communities across Mokwa, Bida, and some other Local Government Areas of Niger State,” he said.

He added that preliminary findings showed that more than 1,000 houses were either destroyed or severely damaged in communities within Mokwa Local Government Area.

The affected areas in Mokwa include Sawmill, Kpege Wayata, Kpege, Station Girigi, Efu Shaba Lile, Tifin Madza, Yafu, Etisheshi, Hakimi Aliyu, and Nasfat communities.

In Bida Local Government Area, communities affected by the storm include Cheniyan, Nasarafu, Bariki, Kyari, Dokoza, Masaga A, and Masaga B.

Arah further disclosed that separate windstorm incidents were also recorded in Lavun, Katcha, Gbako, and Mariga LGAs.

He noted that more than 100 houses had earlier been reported destroyed in Durgu community under Bobi Ward in Mariga Local Government Area.

According to the NSEMA boss, the agency is working with relevant stakeholders and local government authorities to conduct detailed assessments and coordinate emergency response efforts.

He assured residents that additional updates would be provided as assessment operations continue across the affected communities.

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A devastating early morning fire has destroyed parts of a commercial plaza in Kano, leaving business owners counting losses after two hospital equipment shops were completely gutted.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday along Airport Road in the Fagge Local Government Area, an area known for its busy commercial activity.

According to the Kano State Fire Service, the blaze was reported at about 4:01 a.m. by a resident identified as Chukude, who alerted emergency responders after noticing flames engulfing the building.

Firefighters were immediately deployed from multiple stations across the metropolis, including units stationed at Abubakar Rimi Market, Kantin Kwari, Bompai, and the Central Fire Station.

Emergency Response Contained the Blaze

Officials said responders arrived to find a two-storey commercial structure, measuring approximately 100 by 100 feet, already consumed by fire.

Despite the intensity of the blaze, coordinated efforts by multiple firefighting units helped contain the spread, preventing further destruction to nearby properties.

However, two hospital equipment shops located on the ground floor suffered extensive damage, with goods and supplies reportedly lost in the inferno.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the financial value of the losses, but affected traders are expected to face significant economic setbacks.

Cause Still Under Investigation

The fire service confirmed that the cause of the incident remains unknown and is currently under investigation.

Speaking through a statement, the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, assured residents that a detailed assessment would be carried out to determine what triggered the fire.

Such investigations typically examine electrical faults, storage conditions, and possible human error—common causes of commercial fires in densely populated business areas.

Safety Warning to Residents and Business Owners

Reacting to the incident, the Director of the fire service, Sani Anas, urged residents and business operators to prioritise fire safety measures.

He emphasised the importance of regular electrical inspections, proper storage of flammable materials, and immediate reporting of emergencies.

According to him, early reporting remains critical in reducing damage and improving response time during fire outbreaks.

Recurring Fire Risks in Commercial Areas

Fire incidents in major markets and commercial hubs across Nigeria continue to pose risks to livelihoods, particularly where buildings house multiple businesses with limited safety infrastructure.

Areas like Fagge, with high trading density and constant electricity usage, are especially vulnerable to such outbreaks.

Experts have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations, including installation of fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and routine inspections of commercial properties.

Impact on Local Businesses

For traders affected by the Kano fire, recovery may take time, especially for businesses dealing in specialised medical equipment.

Such goods often require significant capital investment, and losses from fire incidents can disrupt supply chains and healthcare access in the region.

While no casualties were reported, the economic impact highlights the need for improved disaster preparedness and insurance coverage among small and medium-scale enterprises.

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The Enugu State Emergency Management Agency has assured residents of its readiness to tackle potential flooding as the rainy season approaches, citing a series of proactive measures already in place across the state.

This assurance comes as the Enugu State Government intensifies efforts to strengthen disaster response systems and minimize the impact of flooding on communities.

Speaking on the state’s preparedness, the Executive Secretary of SEMA, Chinasa Mbah, said the government has taken deliberate steps to build resilience at both the state and community levels.

Central to these efforts is the training of Local Emergency Management Committee members across all 17 local government areas. The capacity-building programme, approved by Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, was conducted earlier in the year under the theme “Building and Strengthening Emergency Resilience in Enugu State.”

Mbah explained that the initiative was designed to equip stakeholders with the skills needed to respond effectively to both natural and human-induced disasters.

Beyond training, the agency has strengthened collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross to expand community engagement efforts.

She emphasized that local residents often serve as first responders during emergencies, making public awareness a critical component of disaster management.

As part of its sensitisation drive, the agency has rolled out campaigns in flood-prone communities, including radio jingles and grassroots engagement in partnership with local government authorities and traditional rulers.

The state government is also investing in infrastructure to reduce flooding risks. According to SEMA, ongoing road construction projects now incorporate proper drainage systems to improve water flow and limit the impact of heavy rainfall.

In addition, emergency relief materials are being stockpiled to ensure swift response and support for affected residents if flooding occurs.

Authorities say these combined measures reflect a broader commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and livelihoods, especially in vulnerable communities.

With forecasts pointing to increased rainfall in parts of Nigeria, the state’s proactive approach is expected to play a crucial role in mitigating potential disasters.

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As Nigeria prepares for the 2026 rainy season, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, has raised concerns over the country’s disaster response system, warning that it remains largely reactive rather than preventive.

Speaking ahead of the peak rainfall period, Umar said Nigeria’s emergency management framework continues to prioritise post-disaster relief instead of proactive risk mitigation, despite growing threats linked to climate change.

According to her, while the 2026 seasonal forecast does not indicate widespread flooding, the risk of sudden urban flooding remains high—particularly in cities with inadequate drainage infrastructure.

She stressed that the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns, driven by climate change, means even traditionally low-risk areas are now vulnerable to disasters.

“The spotlight must now shift to the states,” Umar said, urging state governments to implement preparedness measures, including identifying evacuation routes, pre-positioning relief materials, and strengthening local emergency response systems.

She expressed concern that many states have yet to fully operationalise their State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), describing them as underfunded, understaffed, and lacking direct coordination with state leadership.

Umar revealed that NEMA receives hundreds of distress requests weekly from across the country, ranging from floods and windstorms to fire outbreaks.

“This is not emergency management. It is emergency charity,” she said, emphasising the need to move beyond relief distribution to structured disaster preparedness and prevention.

She also identified operational challenges, including the poor location of some NEMA offices far from disaster-prone communities, which delays response time during emergencies.

Security threats, particularly from banditry, further complicate response efforts, with emergency teams sometimes forced to suspend operations in high-risk areas.

Beyond logistics, Umar noted that effective disaster management requires trauma care, community engagement, and conflict resolution—elements she said are often overlooked in Nigeria’s current framework.

She, however, commended the Disaster Response Units of the Nigerian military for their effectiveness, describing them as a critical component of the country’s emergency response structure.

Despite existing challenges, Umar highlighted ongoing reforms within NEMA, including improved welfare packages such as hazard allowances and structured conditions of service for personnel.

She reiterated the agency’s commitment to building a more resilient and coordinated disaster management system capable of protecting lives and livelihoods.

Meanwhile, disaster management experts have called for greater transparency in the use of ecological funds allocated to states for environmental risk mitigation.

Labaran Saleh of Youth Against Disaster Initiatives criticised the persistent underfunding of SEMAs and pointed to outdated equipment within NEMA, some of which, he said, has been in use for over 15 years.

He added that delays in budget approvals continue to hinder timely interventions, limiting the agency’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies.

Experts argue that without significant investment in preventive infrastructure—such as drainage systems and evacuation centres—Nigeria may continue to face recurring disaster cycles.

As the rainy season draws closer, stakeholders say the urgency for a shift from reactive response to proactive planning has never been greater.

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