A husband and wife have tragically lost their lives in a midnight fire at their residence in Rangaza (Inken) Layin AU, Ungogo Local Government Area, Kano State.
The victims, identified as 67-year-old Muhammed Uba and 52-year-old Fatima Uba, were consumed by the inferno that tore through their bungalow in the early hours of December 12, 2024.
The Kano State Fire Service confirmed the heartbreaking incident, revealing that the fire completely engulfed the couple’s home, leaving them trapped inside.
According to a statement from the Director of Kano State Fire Service, Hassan Muhammad, the fire service received a distress call at about 1:45 a.m. on Thursday. Within minutes, the emergency response team was dispatched to the scene.
“We immediately sent our rescue team to the scene at 1:51 a.m.,” Muhammad stated in the official release.
The bungalow, measuring about 50 by 25 feet, was located in the heart of the Rangaza community. The fire quickly spread to two rooms in the building, which were completely consumed by the flames.
The fire left the couple trapped inside, with heavy smoke filling the house. By the time the fire service arrived, Muhammed and Fatima Uba were found unconscious, suffering from burns on some parts of their bodies.
Despite the fire service’s quick response, the victims could not be revived. The couple was declared dead shortly after being rescued. Their bodies were handed over to the Ward Head of Rangaza, Muhammad Rayyanu, for proper burial arrangements.
Muhammad further stated that the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The fire service has yet to confirm whether it was caused by faulty electrical wiring, a cooking accident, or another unforeseen event.
“We are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire,” Muhammad added.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local community in Rangaza and the wider Kano State. Neighbors and residents who spoke to reporters expressed their shock and grief over the sudden and heartbreaking loss of the couple.
“I heard about the fire in the middle of the night,” said one neighbor, Ibrahim Sulaiman. “We rushed to the scene but the fire was already out of control. It was a very sad sight to see the couple’s house completely burned.”
Another resident, Aisha Abdullahi, recalled how the couple had been well-liked in the neighborhood. “They were very peaceful and kind people,” she said, tears in her eyes. “It is hard to believe they are gone just like that.”
The tragic loss has prompted the Kano State Fire Service to renew its calls for the public to adhere to fire safety regulations. Saminu Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer of the Fire Service, urged residents to ensure their homes are safe from fire hazards, particularly during the dry season when fires are more likely to spread.
“Please, ensure that you follow fire safety guidelines to avoid such incidents,” Abdullahi said in his statement. “This unfortunate tragedy is a reminder for everyone to take fire safety seriously.”
This devastating event is the latest in a series of fire-related incidents in Kano State, with authorities continually urging residents to be cautious. Only recently, the Kano Fire Service responded to a similar blaze at a Dan’agundi substation, which had threatened to spread across a large area.
The loss of Muhammed and Fatima Uba has not only left their family heartbroken but has also sparked renewed discussions on the importance of fire prevention in the region. Community leaders are now calling for increased public awareness campaigns to educate residents on fire safety measures.