17 CHILDREN KILLED, 16 OTHERS INJURED IN ZAMFARA ISLAMIC SCHOOL FIRE

At least 17 Almajiri students have tragically lost their lives in a fire at an Islamiya school in the Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The fire, which broke out late on Tuesday night, burned for approximately three hours, leaving 16 others with injuries.

Abdulrasaq Kaura, a local resident, told Channels Television that the fire was reportedly caused by sticks, locally known as “Kara,” that had been stored at the school.

Kaura said, “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 further revealed that the deceased have been buried on Wednesday.

Mannir Haidara, Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government, confirmed the incident but mentioned he was en route to the scene and would provide more details later.

On Wednesday, Yazid Abubakar, the Public Relations Officer for the State Police Command, also confirmed the tragic event.

Abubakar, however, noted that 17 students were killed in the fire while 17 others are receiving treatment, adding that an investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the fire.

He said, “Yes, the incident happened. 17 children were linked while 17 are on admission and investigation is ongoing.”