Four members of a family were killed after a fire destroyed their home at Rugar Audu Badali settlement in Karasuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The incident occurred at about 5pm on Friday. The victims were identified as Bilkisu, wife of Mallam Bukar, and her three children, Zainab, Hafsat and Salamatu.

The four victims were buried according to Islamic rites, while the surviving members of the family were left without shelter after the fire destroyed their home and belongings.

The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday following an assessment and condolence visit to the affected community.

The agency visited the settlement alongside officials of the Karasuwa Local Government Authority and community stakeholders to assess the damage and determine the immediate humanitarian and psychosocial needs of the affected family.

SEMA expressed condolences to Mallam Bukar, his surviving relatives and residents of the local government over what it described as an irreparable loss.

The agency said its assessment showed an urgent need for emergency relief materials, temporary shelter and psychosocial support for the displaced survivors.

“SEMA has confirmed the urgent need for emergency relief support, temporary shelter and psychosocial assistance for the displaced survivors,” the statement said.

The agency said it would coordinate humanitarian interventions and mobilise resources to support the affected family. It also called for greater community efforts to prevent similar fire incidents in the state.

SEMA prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls and for strength for the bereaved family to cope with the loss.