At least 17 Almajiri students have died in a fire outbreak at an Islamiya school in Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The fire, which started late Tuesday night, burned for about three hours, leaving 16 others injured.
A resident of the area, Abdulrasaq Kaura, said the fire was likely caused by stored sticks, known locally as “Kara”.
“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 no one was left inside. But when they returned after the fire, they started seeing their legs and hands. They got burnt beyond recognition,” he said.
He added that the deceased students were buried on Wednesday.
The Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government, Mannir Haidara, confirmed the incident but said he was on his way to the scene and would provide more details later.
The Public Relations Officer for the Zamfara State Police Command, Yazid Abubakar, also confirmed the fire outbreak.
“Yes, the incident happened. 17 children were killed while 17 others are receiving treatment. Investigation is ongoing to find out the cause of the fire,” he said.
