Nigerian children die in Kan Kan Kanura

At least 17 children have died in a fire in an Islamic school in northern Nigeria.

Several other students were injured and took to the health centers in the city of Kauran Namoda, state of Zamfara, to receive treatment.

It is believed that the fire exploded in a nearby house on Tuesday night and extended to school while the children slept.

Local authorities and emergency responders were sent to the scene, but the fire had already resulted in significant casualties.

The eyewitness Yahaya Mahi told BBC Hause that the school’s location made it difficult for those who tried to stop the fire.

“Even if firefighters had arrived on time, arriving at the house would have been difficult due to the tight road that leads to the house,” he said.

The local official Mannir Haidara said that other Islamic schools would be inspected to ensure that they were not a fire risk.

“We will take measures to avoid another appearance of this nature,” he said.

The father of one of the victims told the BBC Hausa that he was devastated, but that his faith in God comforted him at this time.