A woman and her three children have died after a fire destroyed their home at the Rugar Audu Badali settlement in Karasuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The incident reportedly occurred around 5pm on Friday, leaving other members of the family homeless after their residence and belongings were completely destroyed.
The deceased were identified as Bilkisu, wife of Mallam Bukar, and her three children, Zainab, Hafsat and Salamatu.
The victims were buried according to Islamic rites following the tragedy.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, disclosed the incident in a statement on Saturday after officials visited the affected community to assess the damage and sympathise with the bereaved family.
The agency said its team worked with representatives of the Karasuwa Local Government Authority and community leaders during the assessment visit.
According to SEMA, the assessment was aimed at determining the extent of the destruction and identifying the immediate humanitarian and psychosocial needs of the surviving members of the household.
“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 said the assessment established an urgent need for emergency relief materials, temporary accommodation and psychosocial support for those displaced by the fire.
The agency added that it would work with relevant stakeholders to coordinate humanitarian assistance and mobilise resources to ease 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 statement added.
The emergency agency also called for concerted efforts by communities and relevant authorities to prevent similar fire disasters in other settlements across the state.
It prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength and comfort for the bereaved family.
