- Agency Report
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating fire that engulfed an Islamic school in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State.
The fire incident claimed the innocent lives of 17 children and leaving several others injured.
This is contained in a statement jointly signed by Rev. Fr. Michael Ayanleke Banjo, Secretary General, CSN, and Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, Director, Social Communications, CSN in Abuja on Thursday.
In the statement, the Church extended its condolences to affected families and called for urgent safety reforms in schools nationwide.
The CSN emphasised the need for stricter safety standards and better-equipped fire services to prevent such avoidable losses in the future.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu also mourned the loss, urging schools across Nigeria to prioritise safety measures.
The blaze erupted around 11:30 p.m. while students were asleep in their hostel and raged for nearly three hours, leaving the victims trapped and their bodies unrecognisable.
Witnesses reported that the fire initially started in a nearby house before spreading to the school.
Despite initial efforts to extinguish it, the flames reignited, blocking escape routes for many children.
Over 100 students were present in the hostel at the time of the incident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with local authorities promising further details following a thorough inquiry.
“This heart-wrenching incident is a grave loss not only to the affected families but also to our entire nation.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Zamfara State, the Islamic community, and all Nigerians affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
“The loss of these young lives is a profound sorrow that resonates across the nation, and we share in your grief,” the Christian body said.
According to CSN, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritise safety everywhere across the nation.
“It is disheartening to acknowledge that we have witnessed too many avoidable deaths, especially due to lack of proper safety standards.
“In many cases, the fire service is outrightly not available, non-functional, or ill-equipped to respond effectively to such emergencies.
“We stand united with all Nigerians in calling for an immediate and renewed commitment to safeguarding human life.
“We, therefore, urgently call on the government and relevant stakeholders to enforce stringent safety standards not only in schools but across all sectors of the society.” The CSN said. NAN