In the aftermath of the tragic fire incident that ravaged an Islamic school in Kauran Namoda, Zamfara State, leaving 17 children dead and several others injured, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has urged the Nigerian government to implement stricter safety regulations for educational institutions to prevent similar disasters from occurring in the future.
The CSN expressed its deepest sorrow for the loss of innocent lives and extended its heartfelt condolences to the grieving families, the people of Zamfara State, and the wider Islamic community affected by this catastrophic fire.
Addressing the tragic incident, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, represented by its Secretary General, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ayanleke Banjo, and Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, expressed their fervent prayers for the prompt and complete recovery of the injured individuals.
The Church criticized the poor state of emergency response in the country, highlighting the lack of functional and adequately equipped fire services. It urged the government to take immediate steps to improve safety measures and emergency response capabilities.
The statement read, “The loss of these young lives resonates across the nation, and we share in the grief of their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this time of unimaginable pain. We pray for God’s comfort and strength to sustain them.”
They emphasized that the preservation of human life must be a paramount concern in all circumstances, and that the protection of students in educational facilities is of utmost importance.
It states, “It is disheartening that many preventable deaths occur due to inadequate safety standards and ineffective emergency response systems. The government must act decisively to protect lives and prevent further incidents.
“May the souls of these young ones, whose lives were cut short so tragically, rest in, perfect peace. Amen.”
