At least 17 students have tragically died in a fire at an Islamic school in Zamfara, a state in northwestern Nigeria. The incident took place on Tuesday night at Makarantar Mallam Ghali School, also known locally as an Almajiri school, due to its Islamic educational system.
Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal confirmed the fire, which broke out in a study hall, and announced that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the deadly blaze. In a statement on Wednesday, Lawal’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said, “As a responsible government, we would examine the underlying cause of this fire and seek methods to prevent its recurrence in the future. We will provide all necessary support and assistance to the victims’ families.”
Seventeen others were also injured in the fire, and they were quickly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. About 100 students were in the hall when the fire started, but many were successfully evacuated.
The deceased students were laid to rest on Wednesday in accordance with Islamic burial rites. Governor Lawal extended his condolences and wishes for a swift recovery to the injured students.