Fire has claimed the lives of three residents, an elderly woman and two school-boys in Gobirawa, a densely populated area of Sokoto metropolis.

The late elderly woman was a wife to late Alhaji Sodangi Gobirawa, former Group Managing Director of Lukuyawa Trading Company.

According to the report, the fire was intentionally ignited by yet-to-be-identified suspect at a furniture factory attached to the building.

The fire, which spread burnt down seven houses, with the victims not able to salvage anything.

Another account said the inferno was triggered by a sudden upsurge of electricity.

It was gathered that within minutes, flames had engulfed the houses, giving little room for escape as thick smoke and heat overwhelmed those trapped inside.

Neighbours, who rushed to the scene, described harrowing moments of helplessness as they tried, unsuccessfully, to save the victims.

“We heard shouts and saw fire everywhere. By the time we got there, we could do anything, it was already too late.” said a resident. (Vanguard, excluding headline)