The Kano State Fire Service has confirmed the deaths of two men and the rescue of two others in separate water-related incidents in Kumbotso Local Government Area on Thursday.
According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, the first incident occurred around 9:36 a.m. near Ring Road, opposite Dorayi Babba. Two young men, identified as Saifullahi Muhammad, 27, and Halifa Abdullahi, 29 — both residents of Gwammaja Quarters — drowned in a water-filled ditch while reportedly chasing a debtor.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims had pursued a man, believed to be in his 30s, from Kofar Ruwa Market over an unsettled financial dispute. The suspect allegedly jumped into a waterlogged ditch, with the two men following closely behind. Unfortunately, both became trapped and were later recovered unconscious by emergency responders.
Despite swift intervention by firefighters from the service headquarters, the victims were pronounced dead at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital. Their remains have since been handed over to Inspector Halifa Muhammad of the Kuntau Police Division for further investigation.
In a separate incident earlier that morning, around 6:01 a.m., two well-drainers were successfully rescued in Danmaliki Village, near Chalawa Filling Station. The pair had descended into a well without adequate oxygen supply and became trapped.
Promptly alerted by Fire Service officer SFS Usman Aminu, a rescue team was dispatched and managed to retrieve both individuals alive. They were subsequently handed over to the Ward Head of Danmaliki, Alhaji Ali Alkasim, for further care and documentation.
Speaking on the double emergency response, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi urged the public to exercise extreme caution around water bodies, open ditches, and confined spaces.
“These incidents highlight the critical importance of public safety awareness and timely emergency reporting. We strongly advise residents to avoid unnecessary risks and report any hazards immediately,” Abdullahi stated.
The Kano State Fire Service reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property through timely and effective emergency response operations across the state.
