A fire broke out at an Islamic school in northwestern Nigeria Tuesday night, killing 17 children and injuring 16 others, reports Anadolu Agency.
The fire broke out at the Makaranta Mallam Ghali in Zamfara State's Kauran Namoda area at around 11.30 p.m. local time on Tuesday night and lasted nearly three hours, according to an official of the Islamic boarding school who shared details of the incident with Anadolu along with some pictures, requesting anonymity.
According to him, the fire claimed the lives of 17 children between the ages of 15 and 17, and injured another 16.
The cause of the blaze is still not known. However, he added that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
Witnesses also told Anadolu that the fire broke out while students were sleeping.
“It was devastating as the fire broke out when students were sleeping. There were over 100 students in the school hostel when the incident occurred,” Abubakar Gumi, a witness said, adding that the bodies of 17 students burned were beyond recognition, and 16 others suffered serious injuries.
Mannir Muazu Haidara, executive chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government, confirmed the incident, saying: "I am currently at the scene; further details will be provided after thorough investigations."
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
