At least 17 students lost their lives in a tragic fire that engulfed an Islamic school in northern Nigeria.
Several others sustained injuries and were immediately taken to medical facilities in Kauran Namoda, Zamfara State, for urgent care.
Reports indicate that the fire originated from a nearby residence on Tuesday night before rapidly spreading to the school, where the students—believed to be teenagers—were asleep.
Despite the swift response of local authorities and emergency teams, the fire had already caused severe casualties by the time they arrived.
An eyewitness, Yahaya Mahi, told BBC Hausa that the school’s location posed a significant challenge for those attempting to contain the blaze.
Tragic Fire at Islamic School in Zamfara State Claims Lives
Even if firefighters had arrived promptly, accessing the house would have been difficult due to the narrow road leading to it,” he explained.
Local government representative Mannir Haidara stated that authorities would conduct inspections of other Islamic schools to assess potential fire hazards.
“We will implement measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future,” he assured.
One grieving father, who lost his child in the tragedy, expressed his profound sorrow but found solace in his faith.
“My faith in God gives me strength in this moment of loss,” he told BBC Hausa.
