A fire incident at an Islamic school in Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State has claimed the lives of 17 Almajiri students, leaving 17 others severely injured. The fire broke out late Tuesday night and burned for about three hours before it was finally put out.
According to residents, the fire was reportedly caused by stored sticks, locally known as “Kara,” which are commonly used for cooking and heating. Abdulrasaq Kaura, a resident, described the heartbreaking scene.
“It happened at Makaranta Mallam Ghali, inside their study hall. There were about 100 students in the house. After they evacuated the students, they thought none of them remained inside. But when they returned after the fire, they started seeing their legs and hands. They got burnt beyond recognition,” Kaura said.
The bodies of the deceased students were buried on Wednesday, following Islamic burial rites.
Also Read:
- NDLEA Arrests 75-Year-Old Man for Drug Trafficking in Kano
- KASU Lecturers to Begin Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Salaries and Welfare Issues
The Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government, Mannir Haidara, confirmed the incident, saying he was on his way to the scene to gather more details.
Similarly, the spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the tragedy. He stated that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.
“Yes, the incident happened. Seventeen children lost their lives, while 17 others are receiving treatment. The police are investigating to find out what caused the fire,” Abubakar said.
The fire has left the community in deep sorrow, as families and residents struggle to come to terms with the tragedy. Many people in the area have called for improved safety measures in schools, especially those accommodating large numbers of students in confined spaces.