A tragic fire in Kaura Namoda local government area of Zamfara State has claimed the lives of 17 Almajiri (Qur’anic school pupils) and left 16 others critically injured.
It was reported that the fire, which began around 2 am on Wednesday, was caused by burning corn stalks. The fire destroyed the shelter where the Almajiri pupils were sleeping.
Narrating to LEADERSHIP on the episode, Malam Aliyu Abubakar Khalifa, the teacher of pupils between 10 and 16, said, “The fire started around midnight and was initially put out,” he explained.
“We sent the pupils back to sleep, but by 2am, I heard screams of ‚fire, fire!‘ I rushed outside and found about 30 pupils on the ground, struggling to escape.”
Khalifa said the fire service could not respond promptly due to a malfunctioning firefighting truck. However, police officers and local volunteers helped extinguish the flames and rescue some pupils.
Khalifa also confirmed that out of about 100 Almajiri in the hall, 17 lost their lives. In contrast, 16 others sustained serious injuries, stressing that “It is a devastating loss, but we accept it as the will of Allah,” he added.
Also speaking to Leadership, Usman Salis, a director at the Almajiri school in Kaura Namoda, praised Khalifa as a role model who had always ensured the well-being of his pupils.
“The teacher has always been caring and diligent in his duties. Although this tragedy occurred, the Almajiries who died are martyrs, having passed away while pursuing Qur’anic knowledge,” Salis said.
“While it is heartbreaking, their deaths are a blessing as they are now in Jannatil Firdausi.”
Principal Fire Superintendent Abdulmudallib Muhammad Galadi confirmed the deaths and injuries and explained that they could not respond immediately due to technical issues with their fire truck.
When contacted, DSP Yazid Abubakar, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the incident, saying 17 were confirmed dead and 16 are currently receiving medical attention. Still, the cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained, and the investigation is ongoing.
Also Contacted on the phone, the Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government, Comrade Mannir Mu’azu Haidara, confirmed the incident, adding that the local council would provide all the necessary assistance to the school, the families of the dead Almajir and treatment of the injured once.
Kaura Namoda, the second-largest city in Zamfara State, is known for its vibrant commercial activities. It serves as a hub for people from different parts of the country and is also home to Nigeria’s railway terminal.
President Bola Tinubu has sent heartfelt condolences to parents, guardians, and families who lost loved ones in a fire outbreak that stretched into an Islamic school in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, on Tuesday night.
In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commiserated with the state government and school owners and prayed for the quick recovery of those receiving medical attention.
The President enjoined all public and private schools to prioritise children‘s safety and security at all times and directed regulatory authorities in the education sector to ensure compliance with safety standards.
The President prayed that God Almighty would grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed and comfort to their loved ones.
