The community of Dankama in Katsina State was plunged into mourning on Monday following a tragic building collapse that claimed the lives of six members of the same family, including the mother.
The devastating incident occurred around 2:00 AM at Muhammad Sani Garba Dankama’s residence, when part of a building collapsed during a heavy downpour.
A mother and her five children were crushed to death in their sleep, while three other individuals sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital.
Muhammad Sani, the bereaved father, who was away at the time of the incident, described the moment he received the news as one of shock and disbelief.
“This affected about ten people, but sadly, six didn’t survive. Three others are currently receiving treatment in the hospital,” he said
The victims are Mariya Sani, 45 (the mother); Mujahid Sani, 20; Zahariya Sani, 18; Hauwa Sani, 15; Amira Sani; and Nura Sani, 5.
The tragedy has triggered widespread grief in the Dankama community, with relatives, neighbours, and sympathisers thronging the residence to offer their condolences and support.
Despite the scale of the loss, Muhammad Sani expressed his faith and submission to divine will.
“I surrender to Allah’s will. May He grant them eternal rest,” he said.
Authorities and emergency responders have been urged to assess structural safety in the area to prevent future disasters.
The Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Hajiya Binta Dangani, confirmed the incident.
She stated that officials have been dispatched to console the family and assess the situation.
