Four members of the same family have died in a fire that razed the Rugar Audu Badali settlement in Karasuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The fire reportedly started around 5pm on Friday, claiming the lives of Bilkisu, wife of Mallam Bukar, and her three children, Zainab, Hafsat and Salamatu.
The victims were later buried according to Islamic rites, while the surviving members of the family were rendered homeless after the inferno destroyed their house and belongings.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency disclosed on Saturday that it had visited the affected community to assess the situation and offer condolences, alongside representatives of the Karasuwa Local Government Authority and community stakeholders.
During the visit, the SEMA team inspected the affected area and spoke with the bereaved family and other residents to determine their immediate humanitarian and psychosocial needs.
The agency, together with the Karasuwa Local Government leadership and community representatives, also commiserated with Mallam Bukar, his surviving relatives and other residents over the tragic incident.
“We extend our profound condolences to Mallam Bukar, his surviving relatives and the entire people of Karasuwa Local Government Area over this irreparable loss,” the agency said.
SEMA prayed for the peaceful repose of the victims, asking Almighty Allah to forgive their shortcomings, admit them into Al-Jannatul Firdaus and give the bereaved family the strength and fortitude to cope with the loss.
According to the agency, its assessment revealed an immediate need for emergency relief materials, temporary accommodation and psychosocial support for survivors displaced by the fire.
SEMA said it would work with relevant stakeholders to coordinate humanitarian assistance and mobilise resources aimed at reducing the hardship faced by the affected family.
“SEMA has confirmed the urgent need for emergency relief support, temporary shelter and psychosocial assistance for the displaced survivors,” the agency said.
The emergency management agency also called for greater community collaboration and preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of similar fire disasters occurring in other parts of Yobe State.
The PUNCH online gathered that the surviving members of the household were left without shelter after the fire destroyed their home and personal belongings.
The agency said, “We remain firmly committed to coordinating timely humanitarian interventions and mobilising the necessary resources to alleviate the suffering of those affected.”
Yobe SEMA further prayed for continued protection for residents across the state and lasting relief for all those affected by the tragedy.
