Two building collapses claim five lives in Kano

Five people have died following two separate building collapses, the Kano State Fire Service has confirmed.

The incidents occurred on Saturday at Gaida in Kumbotso Local Government Area and Kurna in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, the emergency response unit received distress calls about the incidents at about 2:34 pm and 2:40 pm, respectively.

“At Gaida, near Salbas Filling Station, an incomplete building under construction collapsed while six workers were at the site.

“Fire service personnel who responded to the incident rescued two workers alive, identified as 17-year-old Muhammad Hassan and 19-year-old Khalid Abubakar.

“Four other workers were rescued unconscious but were later confirmed dead. They were identified as Sunusi Surajo, 18; Bashir Ibrahim, 20; Ibrahim Ibrahim, 25; and Abubakar, 30.,” the statement added.

According to the statement, the six victims were taken to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital for medical attention and were later handed over to Inspector Adamu Garba of the Kofar Wanbai Police Division.

In the second incident at Kurna, behind the primary school in Fagge Local Government Area, an Islamiyya school known as Khadija Idris Bala collapsed, affecting nine students.

Eight students were rescued alive, including Hassana Isah, Usaina Isah, Zulaihat M. Gambo, Nawara Yahaya, Nusaiba Isah, Hasiya Munir, Khadija Isah and Hadiza Haruna.

The ninth victim, identified as 14-year-old Khadija Muhammad, was rescued unconscious but was later confirmed dead.

The victims were subsequently handed over to the school headmaster, Muhammad Gambo Usman.

The Fire Service said the causes of the two building collapses were still under investigation.

It urged building owners, contractors and construction workers to take safety measures seriously and ensure that buildings comply with approved standards.