Fire engulfs female hostel at Gashua University
Story from Ibraheem El-Tafseer
A devastating fire ravaged a female hostel at the Federal University Gashua, located in Yobe State, on Saturday, March 23, 2024, resulting in the destruction of an entire block comprising 29 rooms, which housed approximately 301 students.
Tragically, amidst the inferno, one of the university’s students, Shamsiya Murtala, a Geography Department undergraduate, lost her life.
Additionally, three other students sustained injuries but were promptly treated and discharged from the Yobe State Specialist Hospital in Gashua.
The incident, occurring in the afternoon, has sent shockwaves throughout the university community, prompting swift response efforts from emergency services and university authorities alike.
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In response to the calamity, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maimuna Waziri, conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Senate, Management, staff, and students to the affected individuals and their families. Furthermore, she has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the fire outbreak.
Meanwhile, in light of escalating unrest among students on campus, the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of the Senate have taken the decisive step of immediately closing the University.
A statement issued by the University’s Registrar, Dr. Abubakar Mamuda, mandated all students to vacate the campus premises without delay, instructing them to return to their homes or seek refuge in safe locations until further notice.
