Kano fire tragedy: Family rejects mosquito coil theory, alleges possible arson

Fresh controversy has emerged over the cause of the d3adly fire that claimed the lives of four members of a family at Kundila, Layin Baba Impossible, in the Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State, as relatives of the victims dispute the official explanation provided by the Kano State Fire Service.  The agency had earlier stated that preliminary findings suggested the inferno was triggered by a mosquito coil left burning in the victims parlour before they went to bed.  The fire, which began around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 k!lled Shodandi (43), his wife Rafia (30), and their daughters Mardiya (3) and Yusira (1 year, 6 months). A fifth occupant, 14-year-old Aminu Shodandi, was rescued alive.  In a condolence message, the Fire Service spokesperson, Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, advised residents to exercise caution with fire sources, especially during the harmattan season.  However, the family has strongly rejected the mosquito-coil narrative, pointing instead to alleged possible arson.  Speaking to reporters, the lone survivor, Aminu Shodeinde insisted the fire did not originate from a mosquito coil.  Aminu, a nephew to the late Rafia, recounted waking up around 3 a.m. to the sound of frantic screams as the family searched desperately for the keys to the door.  He said the fire spread rapidly, forcing the father to attempt to rescue the children from inside the burning house a final act of courage from which he did not return. “We often use mosquito coil in the house, but it was not what caused this fire, Aminu said.  His account was reinforced by the late Rafias father, Abdulraheem Abdulsalam, who alleged foul play.   Abdulsalam said the family had previously suffered three burglary incidents and claimed he had repeatedly advised them to relocate for safety. 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, adding that suspects arrested in earlier incidents had been released after three days, he said.  Visibly shaken, Abdulsalam said the victims were burnt while holding one another and were buried in that same position.  He said despite the grave suspicions, he said he would not push for further investigation, submitting the matter instead to divine justice. If it was people that did this, they will not escape Gods judgment, he said.  Authorities have yet to respond to the familys claims, as the community continues to mourn the tragic loss.  The post Kano fire tragedy: Family rejects mosquito coil theory, alleges possible arson appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.