By Caleb Jacob
The family of four who died in a Wednesday morning fire at Kundila, Layin Baba Impossible in Tarauni LGA of Kano have rejected the official claim that a mosquito coil sparked the tragic blaze.
According to the Kano State Fire Service, preliminary findings suggested that the victims had lit mosquito coils in their parlour before going to bed. The fire, which erupted around 4 a.m., claimed the lives of the father, mother, and two children.
A statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, listed the victims as: Shodandi (43) – father, Rafi’a (30) – mother, Mardiya Shodandi (3) – daughter, Yusira Shodandi (1 year, 6 months) – daughter, fifth person, Aminu Shodandi, aged about 12, was rescued alive.
While condoling the family, Abdullahi urged residents to be cautious with fire sources, especially during the harmattan season.
However, Grassroots Parrot spoke with the lone survivor, Aminu Shodeinde (14), who insisted the inferno was not caused by a mosquito coil.
READ ALSO: Kano Tragedy: Family Of Four Perish After Mosquito Coil Sparks Deadly Fire
Aminu, a nephew to the late Rafi’a, said he woke up around 3 a.m. to frantic screams as the family struggled to find the keys to the door. According to him, the fire intensified quickly, forcing the father to dash back inside in an attempt to rescue the children — but he never returned.
“We often use mosquito coil in the house, but it was not what caused this fire,” Aminu said.
His account was supported by Abdulraheem Abdulsalam, father of the late Rafi’a, who strongly suspects foul play. Abdulsalam said the family had suffered three previous burglary incidents, prompting him to repeatedly warn them to relocate.
“People are saying it was mosquito coil, but what I saw there was not. They sprayed the house with petrol and set it on fire,” he alleged.
He added that some suspects had been arrested in earlier incidents but were released after three days.
Abdulsalam, visibly heartbroken, said the victims were burnt while holding one another and were buried in that same position.
Despite the suspicious circumstances and community concern, the grieving father said he would not pursue further investigation, surrendering the matter to divine justice.
“If it was people that did this, they will not escape God’s judgment,” he said.