Authorities Had Earlier Evacuated Students Before the Incident
A devastating fire outbreak has gutted a female students’ hostel at Sokoto State University (SSU), destroying parts of the newly built facility meant to ease accommodation shortages on campus.
The fire, which broke out on Tuesday evening, sent thick plumes of smoke into the air, causing panic among students and staff.
Fortunately, no casualties were recorded, as the affected hostel had been vacated prior to the incident, following a directive from the school authorities.
Despite efforts by firefighters to bring the flames under control, the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined, and the cause of the fire remains unknown as investigations continue.
Students Had Been Evacuated Before the Fire
According to reports, university authorities had previously directed the female students residing in the hostel to vacate the premises before the fire occurred. However, the reasons behind the evacuation remain unclear, and school officials have not disclosed any prior safety concerns.
“It is fortunate that students were not inside when the fire started. Otherwise, this could have been a major disaster,” said an eyewitness on campus.
The affected hostel was among the newly constructed accommodations designed to reduce the accommodation crisis faced by students at SSU.
Firefighters Contain Blaze, Investigation Underway
Firefighters from the Sokoto State Fire Service and the university’s emergency response team worked tirelessly to contain the inferno, preventing it from spreading to other buildings.
An official from the Sokoto State Fire Service, who spoke to reporters, stated that while the firefighting efforts were successful, determining the exact cause of the fire will require further investigation.
“We have successfully put out the fire, but we are still working to determine the cause. An official assessment of the damages will follow shortly,” he said.
University management has assured students that a thorough investigation will be conducted to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Eyewitnesses Describe the Chaos
Some students who witnessed the fire said they saw thick smoke rising from the hostel building before flames quickly spread across the structure.
A student, Hauwa Mohammed, shared her experience:
“We were in class when we saw black smoke coming from the female hostel. Within minutes, people started shouting, and some students ran towards the building. It was really scary.”
Another student, Fatima Suleiman, expressed concern over the safety of hostel facilities, urging authorities to improve fire safety measures on campus.
“We are grateful that no one was inside, but this fire shows that the university needs to check all hostels for safety risks. We need fire extinguishers and working emergency exits,” she said.
Concerns Over Fire Safety in University Hostels
This incident has sparked conversations about fire safety in Nigerian university hostels, with students and parents calling for stricter safety measures, proper maintenance of electrical systems, and emergency response training.
A university staff member, who wished to remain anonymous, hinted that electrical faults could have been a possible cause, but emphasized that an official report would confirm the exact reason for the fire.
“We have seen cases where faulty wiring leads to fires in hostels. The university needs to ensure all buildings meet fire safety standards,” he said.
University authorities have urged students to remain calm, assuring them that necessary steps will be taken to restore the affected hostel and improve safety protocols.
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Meanwhile, affected students are appealing for alternative accommodation as they await further directives from the school management.
Next Steps: Damage Assessment and Investigation Continue
The Sokoto State University administration has announced that an official damage assessment will be carried out, and students will be updated on any developments.
Authorities are also expected to collaborate with the fire service and security agencies to determine if the fire was caused by an accident or possible sabotage.
In the meantime, students and parents are calling for:
✅ Proper fire safety equipment in all hostels
✅ Frequent electrical inspections
✅ Emergency evacuation drills
✅ Better housing alternatives for students
The university community now awaits answers, hoping for quick action to prevent such incidents in the future.