Katsina: How night inferno killed mother, 6 daughters
Tragedy struck at about 9:20pm when the lantern he left in the room fell, resulting in a fire which killed his wife Malama Hauwa Bashir, 27, and her six children, including a one-year-old baby, Firdausi. Other victims of the inferno include Atika Bishir,4, Yasira Bishir, 5, Maryam Bishir, 5, Nazifa Bishir, 7 and Fati Bishir, […]
Tragedy struck at about 9:20pm when the lantern he left in the room fell, resulting in a fire which killed his wife Malama Hauwa Bashir, 27, and her six children, including a one-year-old baby, Firdausi. Other victims of the inferno include Atika Bishir,4, Yasira Bishir, 5, Maryam Bishir, 5, Nazifa Bishir, 7 and Fati Bishir, 9. Six of the victims died in the raging inferno, while the seventh died on the way to the hospital.
The fire, Weekly Trust learnt, was noticed by neighbours who immediately raised alarm. They, along with passers-by engaged the fire before men of the state fire service were later called in. The fire, which lasted over an hour, also destroyed property before it was brought under control by the combined effort of state fire service officials and sympathisers.
Bishir told Weekly Trust that, the inferno began few minutes after he went out to visit a friend in the area. “As a Muslim, I have left everything to God, may the Almighty grant them Aljannah firdaus.” He confirmed that the fire was caused by a lantern, which he said must have fallen down.
Bishir’s elder brother, Malam Shittu Rafukka told Weekly Trust that “One of the victims must have pushed it while sleeping, throwing up its contents and as a result the fire escalated to other parts of the room.” He continued: “Unfortunately, six of the victims died before we removed them from the room. They were roasted to death. We broke down the doors but before succeeding, the victims were caught up in the flames.” He said one of the victims was removed alive and rushed to the Katsina state General Hospital for medical treatment, adding that, “after examining her condition, we were referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Katsina but she later died”.
The deceased were buried at the Dantakum Grave Yard in Katsina metropolis after the Chief Imam of Katsina, Alhaji Liman Lawal led the funeral prayers that was attended by thousands of Muslim faithful. When our correspondent visited the residence of Bishir Sani Rafukka, many symphatisers were trooping in and offering their condolences.
The Emir of Katsina, AlhajiAbdulmumini Kabir Usman also led District Heads and other members of Katsina Emirate Council to the residence of Mallam Bashir for condolence. Usman prayed Allah to grant the deceased persons eternal rest and for the family the fortitude to bear the loss.