Tragedy Strikes Zamfara Islamic School: 17 Students Dead, 16 Injured in Devastating Fire Outbreak
A devastating fire outbreak at an Islamiya school in Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State has claimed the lives of 17 Almajiri students, leaving 16 others injured. The tragic incident occurred late on Tuesday night, February 4, 2025, and raged for about three hours, reducing the school to ashes.
A resident of the area, Abdulrasaq Bello Kaura, described the scene as “hellish.” He told Channels Television that the fire started in the study hall of the Makaranta Mallam Ghali school, where about 100 students were present.
“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, they started seeing their legs, hands, they got burnt beyond recognition,” Bello Kaura said.
According to Bello Kaura, the cause of the fire was reported to be some stored sticks locally called “kara.” It is believed that the sticks may have been ignited by an unknown source, leading to the devastating fire outbreak.
The dead students have been buried on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, in accordance with Islamic tradition. The burial was attended by family members, friends, and community leaders, who gathered to pay their respects to the deceased students.
Official Response: Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government Confirms Incident
The Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government, Comrade Mannir Muazu Haidara, confirmed the incident and expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased students. He stated that he was on his way to the scene and would provide further details later.
An investigation into the cause of the fire outbreak is currently underway. Authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the fire and to identify measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Reactions: Outpouring of Condolences and Support
The tragic incident has sparked an outpouring of condolences and support from across the country. Many have taken to social media to express their condolences to the families of the deceased students and to offer support to the affected community.
Government Response: Measures to Prevent Future Incidents
The government has promised to take measures to prevent future incidents. The Zamfara State Government has announced plans to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and to implement measures to ensure the safety of students in educational institutions.
Islamiya Schools in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities
Islamiya schools in Nigeria face numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a lack of qualified teachers. However, these schools also provide opportunities for students to receive an education and to develop their skills.
The devastating fire outbreak at the Islamiya school in Zamfara State has resulted in the loss of 17 young lives and injured 16 others. The incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of students in educational institutions. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased students and the affected community.
EXCERPT
17 students d3ad as fire guts Zamfara Islamic school
Tragedy struck in Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State as a devastating fire outbreak at an Islamiya school claimed the lives of 17 Almajiri students.
It was gathered that the fire started late on Tuesday night. February 4, 2025, and raged for about three hours, leaving 16 others injured.
A resident of the area, Abdulrasaq Bello Kaura, told Channels Television that the cause of the fire was reported to be some stored sticks locally called kara.
“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, they started seeing their legs, hands, they got burnt beyond recognition,” the source said.
He added that the dead students have been buried on Wednesday.
The Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government, Comrade Mannir Muazu Haidara, who confirmed the incident said he was on his way to the scene and would provide further details later.
Source: LIB
