Four workers, 14-year-old student killed in Kano building collapses

Two separate building collapses in Kano State, Nigeria, have resulted in the deaths of five people, including a 14-year-old student. The incidents occurred on Saturday in Kumbotso and Fagge Local Government Areas.

The first collapse happened at a construction site in Gaida, Kumbotso, where a 50x50 foot building fell on six workers. Firefighters rescued two workers alive, identified as 17-year-old Muhammad Hassan and 19-year-old Khalid Abubakar. Tragically, four other workers, Sunusi Surajo, 18; Bashir Ibrahim, 20; Ibrahim Ibrahim, 25; and Abubakar, 30, were rescued unconscious and later confirmed dead. All six were taken to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.

The second incident occurred at an Islamiyya school, Khadija Idris Bala, in Kurna, Fagge. Eight of the nine students affected by the collapse, aged between 12 and 15, were rescued by firefighters. However, the ninth victim, 14-year-old Khadija Muhammad, was rescued unconscious and later confirmed dead. The victims were handed over to the school headmaster.

The Kano State Fire Service is investigating the causes of both collapses. The service has urged building owners, contractors, and workers to observe safety precautions and comply with approved building standards, especially during the rainy season. They also advised the public to report building-related emergencies promptly to minimize casualties.

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We urge members of the public to take building safety seriously and ensure that appropriate standards are followed to prevent avoidable loss of lives.