A tragic building collapse in the early hours of Tuesday has claimed the lives of no fewer than six members of the same family in Dankama Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The incident, which occurred around 2 a.m. during a heavy downpour, led to the deaths of Mariya Sani, 45, and five of her children: Mujahid (20), Zahariya (18), Hauwa (15), Amira, and Nura Sani, aged five. The victims were reportedly asleep when the building gave way, burying them under the rubble.

The bereaved husband and father, Muhammad Sani, confirmed the heartbreaking event to reporters in Katsina on Tuesday. According to him, a total of ten people were affected by the collapse, out of which six died on the spot while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

“I was away when the incident happened. It’s still a shock. This affected about 10 people, but sadly, six didn’t survive,” he said, visibly shaken by the loss.

The tragic event has plunged the Dankama community into mourning, with residents and sympathisers trooping to the Sani family home to offer condolences and support.

Sani, speaking with remarkable strength despite his loss, said, “I surrender to Allah’s will. May He grant them eternal rest.”

Confirming the incident, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Hajiya Binta Dangani, said officials from the agency have been deployed to visit the family, assess the damage, and determine further assistance.