Seven students die as fire guts hostel in Kano

NO fewer than seven students died, while 25 others were injured in a night fire at Government Girls’ Secondary School, Jogana, 20 kilometres from the city of Kano. Hospital and school officials confirmed the deaths of the seven female students, saying their bodies had been deposited at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital.

A source at the school told newsmen that the cause of the fire, which occurred at the biggest hostel of the school when the students were sleeping, is still unknown.

Executive Secretary of the Secondary Schools’ Management Board, Husaini Ganduje, also confirmed the death of seven students in the fire, saying those who sustained injuries were receiving treatment.

The Kano State Deputy Governor, who is also the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, yesterday visited the scene of the tragedy. After condoling with the families of the deceased students and the school authority, he proceeded to the hospital where the injured ones were receiving treatment.

Abubakar gave the assurance that government would put off all the medical bills of the affected students. The state government further directed for the immediate closure of the school to enable students and their parents manage the trauma of the tragic incident.
On the cause of the fire outbreak, the Deputy Governor said a technical committee would soon be set up to identify the remote and immediate causes of the fire.

While commending the community members for their quick response in putting off the fire, he also appreciated the immense contribution provided by the companies located at the community, in responding to the tragedy with fire fighting machines.
The Deputy Governor was received at the school by the House of Assembly member representing Gezawa, Alhaji Isyaku Ali Danja and Executive Secretary of Kano State Senior Secondary School Management Board, Alhaji Usaini Umar Ganduje.