300-Level Female Varsity Student Dies As Fire Guts FUGA Hostel

A 300-level student of Geography Department at the Federal University of Gashua (FUGA) in Yobe State, Shamsiya Murtala, has lost her life in a fire incident at a female hostel of the university on Saturday.

LEADERSHIP gathered that when the fire started at the room of the victim, she was far asleep, hence it took the effort of the other students in the hostel to break in her room and bring her out.

She was, however, confirmed dead at the Specialist Hospital in Gashua.

The fire, which affected some parts of the female hostel, consumed some properties and other valuables belonging to students.

Our correspondent learnt that the fire outbreak occurred some minutes after 10am on Saturday morning, a time when most of the students had gone out for activities within the school.

The University’s firefighters and the State Fire Service were eventually able to contain the raging fire.

The cause of the inferno was yet to be established as at the time of this report.

Meanwhile, President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has mourned the passing of the 300-level student, Shamsiya Murtala.

Lawan, in a condolence message to mourn the deceased, urged the university to investigate the cause of the fire incident and take necessary steps to prevent future occurence.

Lawan’s message contained in statement personally signed by him reads: “With a heavy heart, I express my deepest condolences over the devastating fire outbreak at the female hostel of the Federal University Gashua, today, Saturday, March 23, 2024, which claimed the life of a promising young female student, Shamsiya Murtala.

“Shamsiya until her death was a 300-level student of the Geography Department at the university and hails from Edo state. May her gentle soul rests in eternal peace. Amen.

“This incident is a heart-wrenching loss for the university host community, the university community and the family of the deceased. I extend my sincere sympathies to those affected by this tragedy.

“I urge the university to investigate the cause of this incident and take necessary steps to prevent future occurrences.

“Once again, please accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathy.”