Tragic Fire Claims Lives of 17 Children at Islamic School in Nigeria
A devastating fire at an Islamic school in northwestern Nigeria has claimed the lives of at least 17 children, with dozens more seriously injured.
Abuja, Nigeria: A devastating fire at an Islamic school in northwestern Nigeria has claimed the lives of at least 17 children, with dozens more seriously injured. The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday in the Kaura Namoda district of Zamfara state, where approximately 100 children were at the school when the blaze broke out. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that 17 children died, and many others are receiving medical treatment for serious injuries.
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Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, though preliminary reports suggest that the blaze may have been sparked by a stockpile of sticks used for oral hygiene, known locally as “kara.” These sticks were reportedly gathered near the school, although further investigations are ongoing.
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President Tinubu Offers Condolences and Calls for Greater Safety Measures
In the wake of the tragedy, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to the grieving families and called on schools across the country to prioritize children’s safety. The president also ordered relevant authorities to ensure that schools adhere to safety regulations, emphasizing the need to avoid such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
Despite the rarity of deadly school fires in Nigeria, previous incidents have raised concerns over the failure to enforce key safety measures. In 2014, Nigeria introduced the Safe School Initiative, which aimed to protect schools and students from various dangers, including fires. However, reports suggest that the initiative has not been fully implemented, leaving many institutions at risk.
Previous School Incident Highlights Security Concerns
The tragedy comes just weeks after another attack on a school in Nigeria. In January, an improvised explosive device detonated at a school on the outskirts of Abuja, the capital, killing two people and injuring two others. These incidents underline the growing concern over the safety and security of educational institutions in the country.
The Nigerian government is now under increased pressure to enforce stricter safety regulations and ensure that schools adhere to necessary guidelines to protect students from preventable accidents, including fires and other risks.
