A devastating fire in the Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State has resulted in the deaths of at least 17 Almajiri students at an Islamiya school.
The fire, which began late on Tuesday night, raged for about three hours and also left 17 others injured.
Abdulrasaq Kaura, a local resident, told Channels Television that the fire was caused by stored sticks, locally known as “Kara.” Kaura explained, “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 the house, it was when they returned after the fire, that they started seeing their legs and hands, they got burnt beyond recognition.”
He also confirmed that the deceased were buried on Wednesday.
The Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government, Mannir Haidara, confirmed the incident and stated, “I am on my way to the scene and will share more details later.”
The Public Relations Officer for the State Police Command, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the tragic incident to PUNCH online.
He added, “Yes, the incident happened. 17 children were linked while 17 are on admission and investigation is ongoing.”
