At least 17 Almajiri students have lost their lives in a tragic fire incident that occurred at an Islamiya school in Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The blaze, which broke out late Tuesday night and lasted for about three hours, also left 16 others injured.
A resident, Abdulrasaq Kaura, disclosed to Channels Television that the fire was allegedly caused by stored sticks, locally known as “Kara.”
Kaura narrated, “It happened at Makaranta Mallam Ghali, inside their study hall. There are about 100 of them in the house. After they evacuated the students, they thought none of them remained inside. It was when they returned after the fire that they started seeing their legs and hands—they got burnt beyond recognition.”
The deceased were buried on Wednesday, according to Kaura.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government, Mannir Haidara, stated that he was on his way to the scene and promised to provide more details later.
Speaking with The PUNCH, the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Yazid Abubakar, also confirmed the tragedy.
Abubakar said, “Yes, the incident happened. 17 children were killed while 17 are on admission, and investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the fire.”
