February 6, 2025 – President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the families affected by a devastating fire at an Islamic school in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 17 children and injuries to 15 others.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety in all educational institutions. He urged both public and private schools to adhere to safety standards and directed regulatory authorities in the education sector to ensure compliance.
The fire, which broke out around 2:00 AM, was attributed to burning corn stalks that ignited the shelter where the pupils were sleeping. The local police confirmed the casualties and reported that efforts to control the blaze were hampered by technical issues with firefighting equipment.
Malam Aliyu Abubakar Khalifa, the teacher in charge, recounted the chaos as students tried to escape, highlighting the community’s efforts to extinguish the flames. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss, acknowledging it as the will of Allah.
The tragedy has left the community in shock, raising urgent questions about safety measures in educational institutions. Tinubu’s call for enhanced safety protocols aims to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure the protection of children in schools across the country.
