A late-night fire has wiped out a family of five in Kofar Sauri, a densely populated neighbourhood in Katsina metropolis, leaving residents stunned and grieving as authorities begin preliminary checks on what triggered the tragedy.
The blaze, which erupted in the early hours of Monday, consumed the home of the victims and destroyed nearly all their belongings.
Neighbours who rushed to the scene said the flames spread quickly, giving the family no chance to escape.
A community member who requested anonymity recounted that the incident started moments after electricity was restored to the area. According to him, the power supply returned with an unusual surge.
“We have always complained about these late-night high-voltage restorations,” he said.
“It is heartbreaking that a whole family is gone because something might have gone wrong with the power supply.”
Moreover, several residents linked the inferno to the hazy harmattan weather that has intensified across Katsina in recent days.
One resident noted that the state usually experiences multiple fire outbreaks during the harmattan.
“This season is unpredictable,” he said. “The dry wind can turn a spark into a disaster within minutes.”
However, concerns over possible foul play have begun to emerge. Another resident urged security agencies to probe the circumstances surrounding the fire.
He argued that while electricity issues remain common, a thorough investigation was needed to rule out any deliberate act.
“We need clarity,” he said. “People deserve to know what really happened.”
Meanwhile, the remains of the man, his wife, and their three children have been taken to a nearby hospital. They are expected to be buried later on Monday in line with Islamic rites.
Furthermore, neither the police nor federal and state fire authorities have issued an official statement as investigations continue.
The community remains tense, seeking answers and comfort as they grapple with the devastating loss.