Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has approved the establishment of a 15-member committee to investigate the recent fire outbreak at Makarantar Malam Ghali, a Qur’anic school in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of 17 Almajiri children and left 12 others injured.
Almajiri, a Hausa term, refers to children in Northern Nigeria who leave their homes to study Islam in non-formal schools. The tragic incident has raised concerns about safety standards in such institutions.
According to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mallam Abubakar Nakwada, the committee’s mandate includes assessing the extent of damages, recommending measures to prevent future occurrences, and advising on appropriate support for the victims and their families.
Chaired by Prof. Ja’afar Makau-Kaura, the committee will also guide the state government in implementing proactive safety measures in similar schools and public institutions in line with the National Fire Safety Code.
The committee has been directed to commence work immediately. Its members include key stakeholders such as Sheikh Ahmad Ibn Umar Kanoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters; Sheikh Umar Hassan Gusau, Chairman of the State Hisbah Commission; and representatives from the Ministries of Religious Affairs, Education, and Local Government Affairs.
Also included are three members from the State Ulama Consultative Council, representatives from security agencies including the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the State Fire Service. The Secretary of the Ulama Consultative Council will serve as the committee’s secretary.
The tragic fire has sparked widespread concern, with many calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in non-formal learning centers. The state government has assured the public of its commitment to ensuring justice for the victims while preventing similar incidents in the future.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, while emergency response teams and humanitarian organizations are assisting the affected families. The government has pledged full support to ensure those injured receive adequate medical care.
Governor Dauda Lawal has expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and vowed to implement necessary reforms to safeguard the lives of Almajiri children and other students in the state.
The findings and recommendations of the committee are expected to shape future policies on fire safety and emergency preparedness in Zamfara State.
