Zamfara School Fire Tragedy Claims Lives of 17 Children

A fire outbreak at a Tsangaya school (Almajiri school) has resulted in the deaths of 17 children in the Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Community residents reported that the fire, which broke out at midnight, also left at least 16 other pupils injured.

The chairperson of Kaura-Namoda Local Government, Mannir Haidara, confirmed the incident to the media on Wednesday.

He stated that further details about the incident would be shared at a later time.

A local resident, Abdul Razak Bello, explained that the fire occurred inside a study hall at Mallam Ghali Tsangaya School.

He noted that the fire spread rapidly due to the presence of corn and millet stalks stored within the school premises.

According to residents, the fire ignited late Tuesday night and continued burning for approximately four hours.

“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,” Mr. Bello was quoted saying.

He stated that the 17 recovered bodies were laid to rest on Wednesday.