From Ahmad Ibrahim, Gusau
A devastating fire outbreak at an Islamiya school in Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State has claimed the lives of at least 17 Almajiri students, leaving 16 others injured.
Eyewitnesses said the fire broke out late Tuesday night and raged for about three hours before it was brought under control.
A resident, Abdulrasaq Bello Kaura, told reporters that the fire was caused by stored sticks, locally known as kara.
“It happened at Makarantan Mallam Ghali inside the study hall. There were about 100 students in the building. After evacuating them, everyone was initially thought to be safe.
However, when they returned after the fire, they discovered the remains of students who had been burnt beyond recognition,” he said.
The Triumph gathered that the 17 victims were buried on Wednesday.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government, Mannir Haidara, said he was on his way to the scene and would provide further details later.
