Zamfara Fire Outbreak: Catholic Secretariat Condoles with Affected Islamic Communities

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Zamfara State, the Islamic community, and all Nigerians affected by the devastating fire that engulfed an Islamic school in Kauran Namoda, Zamfara State, claiming the lives of 17 children and leaving several others injured.

In a press statement jointly signed by the Secretary General, CSN, Rev. Fr. Michael Ayanleke Banjo, and the Director, Social Communications Directorate, CSN, Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, the Church’s administrative headquarters described the incident as “a grave loss not only to the affected families but also to our entire nation.”

According to the press statement, the Church extends its “heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Zamfara State, the Islamic community, and all Nigerians who have been affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.” It noted that “the loss of these young lives is a profound sorrow that resonates across the nation, and we share in your grief.”

The Church, in the release, also prayed for the swift and complete recovery of the injured, trusting that God’s healing presence will bring them peace and restoration in body and spirit.

Emphasizing the urgent need to prioritize safety everywhere across the nation, the statement decried that “it is disheartening to acknowledge that we have witnessed too many avoidable deaths, especially due to the lack of proper safety standards.” It further noted that in many cases, the fire service is “outrightly not available, non-functional, or ill-equipped to respond effectively to such emergencies.”

The Church called on the government and relevant stakeholders to enforce stringent safety standards not only in schools but across all sectors of society. “It is critical that we take immediate action to prevent the reoccurrence of such devastating incidents in the future and ensure that no more lives are lost due to avoidable negligence,” it stated.

Appealing to the government to prioritize the protection and security of human life in the nation, the Church, in the press statement, emphasized that every life is sacred and deserves to be safeguarded. “May the souls of these young ones, whose lives were cut short so tragically, rest in perfect peace.”