A devastating fire at an Islamic school in Kauran Namoda, Zamfara state, has claimed the lives of at least 17 children, local authorities confirmed. Several other students sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby health centers for treatment.

The fire, which broke out on Tuesday night in a nearby house, quickly spread to the school while the children—believed to be aged between 10 and 16—were asleep. Eyewitnesses reported that the location of the school made it difficult for emergency responders to reach the scene in time.

Police spokesman Yazid Abubakar stated that the community laid the victims to rest on Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and ensure support for the injured.

Mannir Haidara, a local government official, announced plans to inspect other Islamic schools in the area to assess fire risks and prevent similar incidents in the future.

A grieving father of one of the victims told BBC Hausa that, despite his profound loss, his faith in God was helping him cope with the tragedy.

Authorities estimate that around 100 students were in the school at the time of the fire, many of whom had come from villages surrounding Kauran Namoda, the second-largest town in Zamfara state.

Emergency services continue to assess the damage and provide aid to affected families.