A devastating fire outbreak at an Islamiya school in the Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State has claimed the lives of at least 17 Almajiri students, leaving 16 others injured.
The tragic incident occurred late Tuesday night, with the inferno raging for about three hours before it was finally brought under control.
Eyewitnesses say the fire originated from a pile of stored sticks, locally known as kara, which were kept within the school premises.
A resident of the area, Abdulrasaq Bello Kaura, recounted the harrowing scene, describing how the fire engulfed the students while they were inside their study hall at Makaranta Mallam Ghali.
“There were about 100 of them in the house. After evacuating the students, they thought none remained inside, but upon returning after the fire, they started seeing their legs and hands. They were burnt beyond recognition,” Kaura said.
Following the tragedy, the 17 deceased students were buried on Wednesday in accordance with Islamic rites.
The Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government, Comrade Mannir Muazu Haidara, confirmed the incident, stating that he was on his way to the scene and would provide further details upon arrival.
