Tragedy in Kano: Four Killed, Seven Injured in Building Collapse

Kano, Nigeria – July 14, 2025

A devastating building collapse in the Fagge Local Government Area of Kano has claimed the lives of four individuals and left seven others injured, officials confirmed on Monday.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the structure—still under construction—caved in late Sunday afternoon, trapping several workers beneath tones of rubble. Rescue teams and state emergency services rushed to the scene, managing to pull eleven people from the debris. While two rescuers continue to work to recover any remaining victims, four bodies have already been recovered, and seven survivors are being treated at a nearby hospital for injuries ranging from fractures to head trauma.

Arrest has been made: the contractor and property owner are currently in custody, with authorities citing violations of building regulations and the absence of proper statutory approvals for the construction project .

In light of the tragedy, the Federal Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has ordered a comprehensive investigation by relevant agencies to determine the root causes of the collapse. This inquiry echoes earlier inquiries into similar incidents, including the recent collapse of a school building in Jos . More broadly, the government emphasized the need to crack down on unprofessional builders, reinforce the enforcement of building codes, and ensure rigorous oversight of future projects

Kano State police spokesman Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa has assured the public that those responsible will face prosecution. “Non-compliance with building regulations cannot be tolerated,” he stated, urging both developers and regulatory authorities to uphold safety standards and protocols

Local residents expressed shock and sorrow at the sudden collapse. The tragedy has reignited public calls for structural reform in Nigeria’s construction sector—a demand echoed by federal authorities who lament the “rot in the building industry” that continues to jeopardized public safety

As investigations continue, the rescue operation is winding down, but Kano’s authorities and federal bodies vow decisive action. With the injured receiving critical care and families of the deceased mourning their loss, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for stricter construction oversight across the nation.