ABUJA, Nigeria — A tragic incident occurred at an Islamic school in northwestern Nigeria, resulting in the death of at least 17 children due to a fire. The country’s emergency agency confirmed the incident on Thursday and has since initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.

Approximately 100 children were present at the school when the fire broke out in the Kaura Namoda district of Zamfara state on Wednesday. According to the National Emergency Management Agency, 17 additional children suffered serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment across various hospitals.

The precise cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, initial reports indicate that it may have been sparked by a collection of sticks utilized for oral hygiene, locally referred to as “kara.” These sticks, which were stored near the school, might have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families affected by this disaster and emphasized the importance of prioritizing children’s safety within educational institutions. Although fatal school fires are relatively uncommon in Nigeria, previous incidents have been attributed to the government’s inadequate enforcement of safety measures outlined in the Safe School Initiative, a program established in 2014 aimed at safeguarding schools and students.

In response to this incident, President Tinubu has mandated regulatory authorities to ensure strict adherence to safety guidelines.

Just last month, an improvised explosive device detonated near a school in Abuja, the capital, resulting in two fatalities and injuries to two others. This highlights ongoing safety concerns in and around educational environments in Nigeria.