Tragedy in Kano: Two Men Die in Waterlogged Ditch While Chasing Debtor – Fire Service Issues Safety Warning
Kano State, Nigeria – A heartbreaking incident unfolded on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, when two young men lost their lives while pursuing a debtor in a tragic accident along the Ring Road in Kano, near Doroyai Babba. The victims, identified as Saifullahi Muhammad, 27, and Halifa Abdullahi, 29, both residents of Gwammaja quarters, died after falling into a waterlogged ditch during the chase.
The news was confirmed by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, in an official statement released on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
This unfortunate event highlights the increasing dangers posed by open water bodies and flooded areas in urban centers, especially during the rainy season in Nigeria. It also raises serious concerns about urban drainage systems, public safety, and emergency response preparedness.
How It Happened: Chasing a Debtor Turns Deadly
According to the report issued by ACFO Abdullahi, the fire service control room received a distress call at exactly 9:36 a.m. on Wednesday from one Garba Sani, who alerted them to the emergency.
“Our rescue team from the headquarters responded immediately and retrieved both men from the ditch, unconscious. They were rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, where doctors later confirmed them dead,” the statement read.
The victims were reportedly chasing a man who owed them money. The debtor, said to be running from Kofar Ruwa Market, fled in an attempt to escape and inadvertently fell into a water-filled ditch along the Ring Road. In a desperate attempt to retrieve their money and catch the man, both Saifullahi and Halifa jumped into the same waterlogged area.
Tragically, instead of helping the situation, the two men became trapped and could not get out.
"They were trying to recover a debt when they ran after a man who jumped into the water. Unfortunately, they followed him and got stuck," a witness said.
Despite the rapid response of the Kano Fire Service team, the damage had already been done. The victims were rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, but were sadly declared dead upon arrival.
Police Investigation Underway
The bodies of the deceased were later handed over to Inspector Halifa Muhammad of the Kuntau Police Division to enable further investigation into the circumstances that led to their tragic deaths.
The police are expected to conduct interviews and gather information to determine whether the debtor’s actions directly contributed to the fatalities and whether any charges should be pursued.
Another Emergency: Well Drainers Rescued in Danmaliki
In a separate but equally alarming incident, the Kano State Fire Service was called into action again earlier the same day, around 6:01 a.m., in Danmaliki village near Chalawa Filling Station.
The distress call was made by SFS Usman Aminu, who reported that two well-drainers had become trapped inside a well while working.
“The victims, who were working inside the well, were overcome by heat and lack of oxygen and became trapped. Fortunately, the rescue team was able to bring them out alive,” said ACFO Abdullahi.
Unlike the earlier tragedy, the well-drainers were successfully rescued from the narrow, hazardous space and were found to be conscious. After a medical assessment, they were confirmed to be in stable condition.
The rescued men were handed over to the Ward Head of Danmaliki, Alhaji Ali Alkasim, who thanked the Fire Service for their swift and effective response.
Fire Service’s Safety Message to the Public
Following both incidents, the Kano State Fire Service issued an urgent public safety advisory, urging citizens to be extremely cautious around open water bodies, ditches, and wells, especially during the rainy season.
“Residents must exercise caution around open water bodies and wells, especially during the rainy season, and report emergencies promptly to avoid loss of lives,” ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi warned.
This advisory is particularly important considering that Nigeria is currently in its rainy season, a time when flash floods, waterlogging, and unsafe terrain become common hazards in many cities and towns.
Why This Story Matters – The Bigger Picture
This tragic story is not just about two lives lost in a ditch; it reveals multiple systemic issues that affect everyday life in Nigeria:
1. Poor Drainage Infrastructure in Kano and Other Nigerian Cities
Kano, like many other urban centers in Nigeria, struggles with poor drainage systems. Open and unmarked ditches, lack of proper maintenance, and waterlogging are rampant. These pose serious risks to life, especially during the rainy season.
2. Economic Desperation and Debt Recovery Dangers
The fact that these men were chasing a debtor reflects the economic hardship many Nigerians face. The informal economy often lacks structured means of debt recovery, leading many people to take matters into their own hands—sometimes with fatal consequences.
3. Inadequate Urban Safety Measures
Public awareness of hazards like open wells, uncovered ditches, and poor emergency reporting is still very low. There is a critical need for urban safety campaigns, better signage, and barriers around dangerous areas.
4. Need for Professional Training and Safety Gear for Laborers
The well-drainers’ situation in Danmaliki highlights another issue: many manual laborers work without proper ventilation, safety gear, or emergency protocols. This puts them at high risk, especially in hazardous jobs like well-digging or sewage maintenance.
Final Thoughts: Preventing the Next Tragedy
This week’s events in Kano are a sobering reminder of the need for collective responsibility. Government authorities must invest in safer infrastructure and stricter regulations, while citizens must be more aware of their surroundings and report emergencies swiftly.
To avoid repeating such tragedies:
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The Kano State Government should cover or mark hazardous ditches and waterlogged zones.
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Labor-intensive jobs like well-draining must be regulated with proper training and safety gear.
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Debtors and lenders should use legal or community mediation channels to resolve issues, rather than resorting to chases or confrontations.
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The public should heed Fire Service warnings, especially during this rainy season.
As we mourn the lives of Saifullahi Muhammad and Halifa Abdullahi, we must also use their story as a wake-up call for improving public safety across Nigeria.
Stay safe, stay informed — and always prioritize life over conflict.
