Tragedy in Zamfara: Fire at Islamic School Claims Lives of 17 Children

A devastating fire at an Islamic school in Kauran Namoda, Zamfara State, has claimed the lives of at least 17 children, while several others sustained injuries and were rushed to local health centres for treatment.

The inferno, which broke out late on Tuesday night, is believed to have originated from a nearby house before rapidly spreading to the school, where the children—mostly teenagers—were asleep.

By the time local authorities and emergency responders arrived, the blaze had already caused significant casualties.

Eyewitnesses described the desperate efforts to contain the fire, hindered by the location of the school.

Yahaya Mahi, a resident, told BBC Hausa that accessibility issues made it difficult for emergency responders to intervene effectively.

“Even if the firefighters had come on time, reaching the house would’ve been difficult due to the tight road leading to the house,” he said.

In the wake of the tragedy, local authorities have pledged to take preventive measures to avert similar incidents in the future.

Mannir Haidara, a government official, confirmed that other Islamic schools in the area would undergo safety inspections to assess fire risks.

“We’ll take measures to prevent another occurrence of this nature,” he assured.

Meanwhile, the bereaved families are grappling with immense grief.

One father, who lost his child in the fire, told BBC Hausa that despite the profound sorrow, his faith in God remained a source of solace.

Authorities are continuing investigations into the cause of the fire, as the community mourns the young lives lost in the harrowing incident.