It was a harrowing experience for students of Kano Goverment Girls College, Jogana Monday morning when a mysterious fire that swept through their dormitory claimed 7 life, while 21 others were injured, officials said.
An insider who do not want his name in print revealed that the fire outbreak was noticed during the wee hours by one of the senior student when other students were fast asleep.
According to her, the spirited effort of the student averted what she described ‘tragic incident of maximum proportion’.
Briefing newsmen over the tragic incident in Kano, the Director General, Kano Senior Secondary School Board, Alhaji Hussaini Umar Ganduje said that most of the injured students have been taken to the hospital for attention.
Similarly, in a press release by the Director of press to the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Usman Bello said that Fire-service men had successfully put out the fire.
The statement further stated that ‘students were evacuated to their classes and those affected were rushed to Gezawa and Sir Sanusi Hospital.’
Alhaji Bello disclosed that the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Dr. Bakari Ado Hussaini and Management of Kano State Senior. Secondary School all mobilized to the School and were coordinating with the State Deputy Governor and commissioner of Education Prof Hafiz Abubakar.
Bello further revealed that the commissioner of Health also joined the advanced party alongside health personnel to attend to the victims of the incidence.
He said that Government has successfully brought the situation under control, as he enjoined parents and Guardian to demonstrate understanding in the light of the tragic development.
Our source, who visited the school yesterday, observed that the Alhaji Sani Yaro Ahmed Hostel, the largest of the 13 in the school, was reduced to rubble.
The eight apartments, housing over 200 pupils, was also razed.
The headteacher, Hajia Khadijat J. Gambo, was speechless.
When our reporter sought her comment on the incident, she said: “You can see it all. I am a sad woman. I have managed to file my reports to the appropriate authorities and I have been instructed not to speak.”
As at the time of filing this report, the school management had handed over the bodies of the dead to their parents.
Kano State Deputy Governor Hafiz Abubakar, who doubles as commissioner for Education, described the incident as mysterious.
He confirmed the death of the seven pupils, adding that the government would pay the bills of the injured, who are getting treatment at government hospitals.
Abubakar, who read the welcome address during the inauguration of State and Local Government Education Promotion Committees at the Coronation Hall of the Government House, told the gathering about the incident.
He said: “This event is holding because it has already been planned. There was a fire at the GGSS, Jogana. Seven girls died and 25 others were injured. We pray for the repose of their souls and quick recovery of the injured.”
The deputy governor said the incident occurred at 8:30pm on Sunday, adding: “…The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained; it remains mysterious.”
Police Commissioner Mohammed Musa Katsina also visited the school.
Addressing reporters on the incident, Katsina said: “You are aware it was a fatal fire, which led to the death of seven pupils. Many others were injured. I am moved and I stand in solidarity with the people of the state in this moment of grief. I console the state government, parents of these pupils and other people of Kano. May Allah give us the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
It was learnt that the school, which was established 40 years ago, has experienced three “mysterious” fire
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