At least 17 children are reported to have died in a fire at an Islamic school in Zamfara State, northern Nigeria.
Several other injured pupils have been rushed to health centres in Kauran Namoda, for treatment.
It is believed that the fire broke out in a nearby house on Tuesday night and spread to the school while the children, believed to be teenagers, were sleeping.
Eyewitness Yahaya Mahi told BBC Hausa the location of the school made it difficult for those trying to stop the fire.
“Even if the firefighters had come on time, reaching the house would’ve been difficult due to the tight road leading to the house,” he said.
Local authorities and emergency responders were sent to the scene, but the fire had already resulted in significant casualties.
The father of one of the victims told BBC Hausa that he was devastated but his faith in God was comforting him at this time.
