February 6, 2025 – President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the families impacted by a tragic fire at an Islamic school in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, which claimed the lives of 17 children and injured 15 others.
In a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu stressed the necessity of prioritizing safety in educational institutions. He urged both public and private schools to meet safety standards and instructed regulatory bodies in the education sector to ensure compliance.
The fire, which ignited around 2:00 AM, was caused by burning corn stalks that set fire to the shelter where the students were sleeping. Local police confirmed the fatalities and noted that firefighting efforts were hindered by equipment issues.
Malam Aliyu Abubakar Khalifa, the supervising teacher, described the chaos as students attempted to escape, praising the community’s quick response to extinguish the flames. He expressed profound sorrow over the loss, viewing it as part of divine will.
The community is in mourning, prompting urgent discussions around safety measures in schools. Tinubu’s appeal for improved safety protocols seeks to prevent future incidents and ensure the protection of students nationwide.
