The Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, has ordered the immediate constitution of a high-powered investigative committee following a fire outbreak at Nurul Haqq Quranic and Arabic School.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, gutted several hostels and classrooms within the school premises, causing panic among students and nearby residents.

“We are constituting a committee to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident and to advise the government on measures to prevent a recurrence in any school across Kebbi State,” the governor said.

Idris, who was reportedly on his way to break his Ramadan fast, noticed thick smoke along the roadside and immediately ordered his convoy to stop and investigate. Upon discovering that the smoke was coming from the school, he directed the immediate evacuation of students and alerted the alongside other emergency responders.

His prompt action ensured that rescue operations commenced without delay. Despite observing his fast, the governor reportedly remained at the scene for several hours, personally supervising the evacuation of over 140 students and confirming they were safely accounted for.

Firefighters battled the blaze for about three to four hours before bringing it under control.

Describing the incident as “most unfortunate,” Idris expressed gratitude that no lives were lost.

“We thank Almighty Allah that no life was lost in this incident. The safety of our children remains paramount to this administration. We will not treat this matter lightly,” he stated.

The governor noted that the presence of gas cylinders in some students’ rooms intensified the fire. He commended the Kebbi State Fire Service for what he described as a “prompt and professional response,” noting that their timely intervention prevented what could have escalated into a major tragedy.

Idris reassured parents and guardians that all affected students had been temporarily relocated to the school’s main branch pending structural assessments of the damaged buildings.

Boarding schools, particularly Quranic and Arabic institutions across northern Nigeria, continue to face safety challenges related to overcrowding, electrical faults, and the improper handling of cooking appliances in hostels. Safety experts have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations, including restrictions on gas cylinders and other combustible materials in student accommodations.