At least 17 children have lost their lives in a devastating fire at an Islamic school in northern Nigeria, officials have confirmed.

The fire, which broke out on Tuesday night in a nearby house, quickly spread to the school in Kauran Namoda, Zamfara State, while the children—aged between 10 and 16—were asleep. Several other pupils sustained injuries and were rushed to local health centers for treatment.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire while working to support the injured and their families.

Community Mourns as Authorities Respond

Emergency responders and local authorities were deployed to the scene, but the fire had already caused significant casualties.

Police spokesman Yazid Abubakar confirmed that the community held a mass burial for the deceased children on Wednesday afternoon.

Eyewitness Yahaya Mahi told BBC Hausa that the location of the school made it difficult for those trying to put out the fire.

“Even if the firefighters had come on time, reaching the house would’ve been difficult due to the tight road leading to the house,” he explained.

Authorities Vow to Prevent Future Tragedies

Local official Mannir Haidara stated that other Islamic schools in the area would be inspected to ensure they do not pose fire risks.

“We’ll take measures to prevent another occurrence of this nature,” he assured.

The father of one of the victims expressed his devastation but found comfort in his faith, he told BBC Hausa.

Authorities estimate that around 100 students were in the school at the time of the fire. Many of them had come from surrounding villages near Kaura Namoda, the second-largest town in Zamfara State.

This tragedy has once again highlighted concerns about fire safety in schools across Nigeria, prompting calls for stricter regulations and better emergency response infrastructure.