At least 17 students lost their lives in a fire at an Islamic school in Kauran Namoda, Zamfara state, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures across similar facilities.
Tragic School Fire Claims Lives of Seventeen Pupils in Northern Nigeria
Tragic School Fire Claims Lives of Seventeen Pupils in Northern Nigeria
A devastating incident at an Islamic school highlights urgent safety concerns in Nigeria's educational institutions.
In a heartbreaking incident, a fire erupted at an Islamic school in northern Nigeria, claiming the lives of at least 17 students. The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday night while the teenagers were reportedly asleep. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire originated from a nearby residential area and swiftly spread to the school, causing a significant loss of life and injuries to several other pupils, who are currently receiving treatment at local health centers.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that emergency responders faced challenges due to the narrow access roads, complicating efforts to contain the flames. Local resident Yahaya Mahi stated, “Even if the firefighters had come on time, reaching the house would’ve been difficult due to the tight road leading to the house.”
In response to this tragic event, Mannir Haidara, a local official, announced that authorities would conduct inspections of other Islamic schools in the region to assess and mitigate fire hazards, pledging to implement measures designed to prevent a recurrence of such disasters.
The heartache of families coping with this loss is palpable, as highlighted by a grieving father who shared with the BBC Hausa that he finds solace in his faith during this painful time. As the community mourns, there is also a growing call for improved safety regulations across educational establishments in Nigeria, to safeguard against similar incidents in the future.
