By Uboh-Ekong Treasure
Four members of the same family have died in a tragic early morning fire that swept through their home in the Kundila area of Tarauni Local Government Area, Kano State.
The incident happened around 4:13 a.m., when the Kano State Fire Service received a distress call about a house on fire. Firefighters arrived to find the ground floor building already badly damaged, with the fire spreading through the parlour, two bedrooms, the kitchen and the toilet.
The victims were identified as 43year old Shodandi, his wife Rafi’a, aged 30, and their two young daughters, Mardiya (3 years old) and Yusira (about 1½ years old). All four were later confirmed dead.
Their son, 12year old Aminu Shodandi, was the only survivor and was rescued alive by firefighters.
Early findings from the Kano State Fire Service suggest the fire may have been caused by a mosquito coil left burning in the parlour while the family slept. Fire officials warned that the ongoing harmattan season can make small fires spread quickly due to dry weather conditions.
Spokesperson for the Kano State Fire Service, ACFO Saminu Yusif, expressed condolences to the surviving family members and warned residents to exercise extreme caution with fire related household items. He also urged the public to avoid leaving coils, candles, or other heat sources unattended, especially overnight.
The bodies of the victims have been handed over to the police, while further investigation into the cause of the fire continues.
