17 children die, 17 others injured as Islamic school catches fire in Zamfara

At least 17 students have lost their lives in a fire incident which occurred in the Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, when fire outbreak occurred at an Islamic school.

The inferno started late on Tuesday night and raged for about three hours. A number of people were also injured.

Abdulrasaq Kaura, a resident of the area, informed Channels Television that the fire was reportedly caused by stored sticks, locally known as “Kara.”

According to Kaura, “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, also confirmed the incident.

Haidara, however, stated that he was on his way to the scene and would share more details later.

Yazid Abubakar, Public Relations Officer for the State Police Command, who also confirmed the incident, however, added that 17 students were killed in the fire while 17 others are receiving treatment, adding that 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.”