A building collapse triggered by heavy rainfall in northern Nigeria’s Katsina State has claimed the lives of six family members, including five children, while leaving three others critically injured. The tragedy struck in the early hours of Tuesday in Dankama Local Government Area, where the victims—a 45-year-old mother, Mariya Sani, and her children—were asleep during the downpour.
Muhammad Sani, the family’s sole surviving parent, confirmed the incident to journalists, stating he was away when the structure gave way around 2 a.m. “This affected about 10 people, but sadly six didn’t survive. Three are currently receiving treatment in the hospital,” he said, visibly shaken. The deceased children were identified as Mujahid, 20; Zahariya, 18; Hauwa, 15; Amira; and five-year-old Nura Sani. Amira’s age was not disclosed.
Local authorities reported that torrential rains likely weakened the building’s structure, though investigations into the exact cause are ongoing. The disaster has plunged the rural community into mourning, with neighbors and sympathizers gathering at the family’s home to offer condolences. Muhammad Sani, grappling with the loss, expressed resignation to fate, telling reporters, “I surrender to Allah’s will. May He grant them eternal rest.”
Binta Dangani, Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), confirmed emergency teams had been deployed to assess damages and provide support. While Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) routinely addresses such crises, local agencies like SEMA are often first responders in rural regions, where aging infrastructure and extreme weather magnify risks.
Building collapses are not uncommon in Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season, with weak enforcement of construction standards frequently cited as a contributing factor. Katsina, like many northern states, has faced intensified rainfall in recent years, raising concerns about climate impacts on vulnerable communities.
The incident underscores broader challenges in urban and rural housing safety across West Africa, where rapid population growth and economic constraints strain infrastructure. Authorities have yet to announce plans for financial aid or longer-term preventive measures, though community leaders have called for urgent inspections of unstable buildings in the area.
As survivors recover in local hospitals, questions linger about accountability and disaster preparedness. For now, grief-stricken residents focus on supporting the bereaved family, whose tragedy reflects a persistent, unaddressed crisis in the region.
