An early morning fire on Monday killed an entire family of five in Kofar Sauri, Katsina, destroying property worth millions of naira.
The victims were 35-year-old Muhammad Habibu, his wife Fatima, and their three children, Khadija, Abubakar, and Aliyu. Habibu worked as a casual staff member at the Katsina State Water Board.
Residents suspect the fire was triggered by a voltage surge when electricity was restored to the area. The blaze started in the living room while the family was asleep. By the time they noticed the flames, all escape routes were blocked.
A relative, Kasim Aliyu, said he first heard a woman’s voice reciting a prayer around 3:00 a.m. He initially thought nothing was wrong. Around 4:00 a.m., he received news that his brother and the family had perished. “May their souls be admitted into Aljannah Firdausi,” he said.
Eyewitnesses said neighbours and first responders tried to put out the flames but were unsuccessful. Some residents criticised the Katsina State Fire Service for arriving late, though Chief Fire Officer Rabe Audi Kurmuyal confirmed the fire was eventually extinguished.
Neighbour Magaji Bala highlighted the dangers of frequent power outages followed by high-voltage returns. “Cases like this have been happening in Katsina for years. Recent incidents nearly claimed more lives,” he said.
Residents blamed ongoing power instability by Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), noting that surges often damage homes and electrical appliances. Similar incidents have occurred in Sabuwar Unguwa, Kwamren Dorowa, and Abbatoir areas.
Executive Secretary of Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Binta Hussaini Dangani, described the fire as the will of God and prayed for the victims. She advised residents to switch off electrical appliances at night and handle fire risks carefully. SEMA has assessed the damage and is preparing relief materials.
KEDCO Regional Manager Aminu Bukari said it is unlikely for a high-voltage surge to impact only one house in a community of over 5,000 homes. Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the fire.