The Kano State Fire Service recorded 20 fire incidents and responded to 13 emergency rescue calls across the state in July 2026.

The figures were contained in a statement released on Saturday and signed by the Public Relations Officer, Saminu Yusif Abdullahi.

According to the report, the Service also recorded five false alarms during the month.

“Ten people lost their lives in various incidents, while six others were successfully rescued from different emergency situations. The report also showed that property worth N9.381 million was destroyed by fire, while firefighters were able to save property valued at N37.524 million,” the statement added.

The Director of the Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Sani Anas, urged residents to exercise caution when handling fire and ensure that all sources of fire were properly extinguished after use.

He warned that failure to completely extinguish fires could lead to avoidable outbreaks and the loss of lives and property.

Anas also appealed to parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, particularly around water bodies and other hazardous areas.

He advised them to prevent children from playing near puddles, ponds, rivers, and uncovered wells to reduce incidents of drowning.

The Kano State Fire Service has confirmed that 16 people were trapped in a collapsed building at Dan Dishe, Kwanar Yashi, in Fagge Local Government Area.

The incident occurred at about 4:32 am on Saturday, August 8, 2026, according to a statement released by the Kano State Fire Service.

The Service explained that emergency responders were swiftly mobilised after receiving a distress call from staff member Aminu Sani Warure.

It noted that, on arrival, they found that a building measuring approximately 20 × 30 feet had collapsed.

The Service stated that, among the victims, thirteen were rescued alive, including six children identified as Al-Mustapha Yusuf, 15, Khadija Yusuf, 7, Ummusalama Yusuf, 10, Madina Yusuf, 6, Hafsat Yusuf, 9, and eight others whose names were not immediately confirmed.

Three children, namely Affan Yusuf, 5, Hassana Yusuf, 7, and nine-month old Ummulkursum Yusuf, were rescued unconscious.

“All the victims were handed over to Usman Ibrahim, the brother of their father, for further necessary attention,” the statement further stated.

The Service said the cause of the collapse was still under investigation.

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the killing of a suspected gang leader linked to the murder of Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, traditional ruler of Ochia in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State.

Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, revealed that the suspect, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, aka Acid, died in a gun battle with police operatives.

The Force spokesperson said the operation was carried out by the Special Tactics Squad, Force Intelligence Department, STS-FID, between August 2 and 6, 2026. The operation targeted members of a criminal syndicate allegedly linked to the traditional ruler’s murder.

“The operations culminated in the early hours of 6th August, 2026, when operatives located the hideout of a suspected gang kingpin, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias “Acid”, in Ohaji/Egbema.

“The suspect engaged the operatives in a gun duel and sustained injuries during the encounter, which subsequently led to his death.

“One AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the scene.

“The suspect was identified as an alleged leader of the criminal syndicate linked to the attack of 10th April, 2026, in which the monarch and five others were killed along the Asa/Awara Road, Ohaji/Egbema, while returning to Owerri,” the Force spokesperson said in the statement.

The statement added that four suspects had earlier been arrested in connection with the incident, while two others reportedly died during previous encounters with the police.

Iniedu said efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

He reiterated that the Force remains committed to ensuring that all persons found to be connected with the crime are brought to justice and that every effort is made to bring the investigation to a logical conclusion.