A tragic fire in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State has claimed the lives of 17 Almajiri (Qur’anic school pupils) and left 15 others critically injured.
The fire, which began around 2:00 AM on Wednesday, was caused by burning corn stalks, destroying the shelter where the Almajiri pupils were sleeping.Malam Aliyu Abubakar Khalifa, the teacher of the pupils, aged between 10 to 16, recounted the harrowing experience.
“The fire started around midnight and was initially put out,” he explained through tears. “We sent the pupils back to sleep, but by 2:00 AM, I heard screams of ‘fire, fire!’ I rushed outside and found about 30 pupils on the ground, struggling to escape.”
The fire service was unable to respond promptly due to a malfunctioning firefighting truck, according to Khalifa. However, police officers and local volunteers helped extinguish the flames and rescue some of the pupils.
Khalifa confirmed that out of the about 100 Almajiri in the hall, 17 lost their lives, while 16 others sustained injuries.
“It is a devastating loss, but we accept it as the will of Allah,” he added.
Usman Salis, a director at the Almajiri school in Kaura Namoda, praised Khalifa as a role model who had always ensured the well-being of his pupils.
“The teacher has always been caring and diligent in his duties. Although this tragedy occurred, the Almajiri who died are martyrs, having passed away while pursuing Qur’anic knowledge,” Salis said.
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