- Tragedy strikes: 17 Pupils Die as midnight blaze engulfs Tsangaya school in Kaura-Namoda Zamfara State
A devastating fire outbreak at Mallam Ghali Tsangaya School, an Almajiri school in the Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, has claimed the lives of 17 children and left 16 others injured. The incident, which occurred late Tuesday night, has sent shockwaves through the community and drawn responses from both state and federal authorities.
The Incident
According to residents, the fire broke out around midnight and raged for approximately four hours, engulfing the study hall where the children were sleeping. The blaze was reportedly fueled by dried corn and millet stalks stored on the school premises, which accelerated its spread.
Abdul Razak Bello, a resident who witnessed the tragedy, recounted the harrowing scene: “
There are about 100 of them in the house. After they evacuated the students, they thought none remained inside. It was only after the fire was extinguished that they began to discover the bodies—burnt beyond recognition.”
The remains of the 17 victims were recovered and buried on Wednesday, in accordance with local customs.
Official Responses
Governor Dauda Lawal expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing it as a “heartbreaking” event. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor extended condolences to the families of the deceased and the school community.
“On behalf of the Zamfara State Government, we extend our condolences to the families, the school, and the entire nation as we mourn the loss of these young souls. During this time of sorrow, may Almighty Allah provide strength and comfort to the grieving families. I also wish a speedy recovery for the injured,” Governor Lawal stated.
He further assured the public that the state government would investigate the cause of the fire and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
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- President Bola Tinubu also reacted to the tragedy, emphasizing the need for improved safety standards in schools across the country. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commiserated with the Zamfara State government and the families of the victims.
“President Tinubu mourns the Zamfara Islamic School pupils and says safety should be uppermost to proprietors. He enjoins all public and private schools to prioritize children’s safety and security at all times and directs regulatory authorities in the education sector to ensure compliance with safety standards,” the statement read.
The President also prayed for the quick recovery of the injured and for divine comfort for the bereaved families.
Systemic Challenges
The tragedy has once again highlighted the precarious conditions faced by Almajiri schools across northern Nigeria. These traditional Quranic institutions, which cater to thousands of out-of-school children, often operate with limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and little to no oversight. Overcrowding, poor ventilation, and the storage of flammable materials have been cited as recurring issues.
Calls for Action
In the wake of the disaster, community leaders and advocates are calling for urgent reforms to improve safety standards in Tsangaya schools. Recommendations include:
Fire Safety Measures: Installation of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency exits.
Regulation of Hazardous Materials: Banning the storage of flammable substances like corn and millet stalks near living or study areas.
Government Intervention: Increased funding and oversight to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
A Community in Mourning
The loss of 17 young lives has left the Kaura-Namoda community in deep mourning. As families grieve, questions linger about how such a tragedy could have been prevented. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by marginalized communities and the urgent need for systemic change.
DGR8Z News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
