Seventeen Almajiri students tragically lost their lives in a late-night fire outbreak at an Islamic school in Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Sixteen others sustained injuries in the incident, which occurred on Tuesday night and raged for about three hours.
The fire reportedly broke out at Makaranta Mallam Ghali, a study hall where over 100 students were gathered. According to local resident Abdulrasaq Kaura, the blaze was allegedly triggered by stored sticks, locally known as kara, used as fuel.
“It happened inside their study hall,” Kaura recounted. “After evacuating the students, they believed no one was left inside. But when they returned after the fire, they found bodies—burnt beyond recognition.”
The victims were buried on Wednesday according to Islamic rites.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government, Mannir Haidara, said he was on his way to the scene and promised to provide additional details.
Zamfara State Police Command spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, also confirmed the incident to reporters. “Seventeen students lost their lives, while 16 others are currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the fire,” Abubakar said.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, while authorities have urged caution to prevent future tragedies in the region.
