A devastating building collapse in Karauka, Zaria city, Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has claimed the lives of a mother and three of her children. The tragic incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, August 27, 2025, saw Mallama Habiba Nuhu lose her life along with two of her children, Hauwa’u Nuhu and Aina’u Nuhu, and her grandson, Za’uma Nuhu.

According to Mallam Ahmed Ibrahim, a relative to the deceased, the collapse took place between 3:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. while the family was asleep. He explained that a mud wall from a neighbour’s house collapsed onto the deceased’s room, leading to their immediate demise. “The victims died on the spot, because they were covered by rubbles,” Ibrahim stated.

The cause of the collapse has been attributed to a combination of factors, including incessant rainfall recorded in Zaria and the dilapidated condition of the mud wall. Ibrahim noted that “The fence is old. Nobody is taking care of it.” This suggests a lack of maintenance contributed significantly to the tragedy.

While four members of the family perished, the husband and father, Mallam Nuhu Dogara, was miraculously recovered alive from the rubbles. He was rushed to the hospital for medical attention and was subsequently discharged shortly before the funeral prayer for the deceased. The victims were buried in Zaria city on Wednesday, in accordance with Islamic injunctions.

Bello Garba, the Zone 1 Coordinator for the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), stated that he had not been officially informed of the incident at the time of reporting but pledged to follow up for an immediate assessment and provide further updates.