17 students killed in tragic fire at Islamic school in northern Nigeria

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At least 17 students tragically lost their lives in a fire at an Islamic school in Kauran Namoda, a town in northern Nigeria’s Zamfara state, on Tuesday night.

The victims, aged between 7 and 17, were students at the Makaranta Mallam Ghali Islamic school, which serves as a boarding school.

The fire erupted around 11:30 p.m. local time while the students were sleeping in their hostel, and it raged for nearly three hours.

Police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar confirmed the death toll, noting that 12 other students suffered severe burns and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

According to a witness, who requested anonymity, the fire caused significant damage, leaving the bodies of the deceased beyond recognition. "It was devastating as the fire broke out when students were sleeping," said Abubakar Gumi, a witness to the scene.

He also mentioned that over 100 students were in the school hostel at the time of the incident.

The cause of the blaze remains unknown, and local authorities are investigating to determine the source of the fire. Witnesses and officials have yet to provide clarity on whether any safety measures were in place at the school.

Mannir Muazu Haidara, the executive chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government, has confirmed the incident and stated that further details will be released after a thorough investigation.