A late-night inferno has wiped out an entire family of five in Katsina State, leaving the Kofar Sauri community devastated and searching for answers.
The blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight on Monday, consumed the family home before neighbours could intervene. The victims — a father, mother and their three children — were trapped inside as flames rapidly engulfed the structure.
Residents who spoke to reporters said they were alerted only when the fire had already intensified. By the time they rushed to the scene, the building had been overwhelmed, offering no opportunity to rescue the occupants.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as one of the most harrowing the community has experienced in years. Many stood helpless as the fire spread with alarming speed, destroying the home and everything inside.
Although the state fire service has yet to provide an official explanation, locals believe the tragedy may have been triggered by an electricity surge. Several residents reported an unusual spike in voltage shortly after power was restored that night.
Kofar Sauri residents said sudden, high-voltage surges are a recurring problem in the area, raising concerns about electrical safety and inadequate power regulation. They are now calling on authorities to investigate and address the persistent hazards.
The state government and emergency agencies are expected to visit the affected community as investigations continue into what caused the deadly fire.
