A fire outbreak on Friday interrupted the activities in the Jubril Aminu Hostel of the Usmanum Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Udus, while the flames wrapped the office of the hostel goalkeeper, destroying several valuable items and causing panic among students shortly before the weekly prayer of Juma'ah.
According to the reports, the incident, which occurred at approximately 1 PM, began in a warehouse inside the goalkeeper's office containing electrical cables, pans, a truck and other appliances. Eye witnesses declared that fire began as a small flame, but quickly intensified after a strong explosion.
“It started as a normal flame, after suddenly there was a boom, and the flames exploded from the roof,” said Umar Muhammad, a 300 -level computer student who witnessed the fire.
“We immediately gave an alarm and began to pour water to control the flames before emergency responders.”
Although injuries were not reported, the fire destroyed several articles, including official documents, a refrigerator, chairs and electrical components stored in the room. According to the reports, the battery of a solar investor was saved due to the timely intervention of fire fighting teams.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, although some students suspect that it may be linked to confiscated gas cylinders or defective electrical wiring within the storage area.
Reacting to the incident, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Umar Aliyu, urged students to have caution, particularly when they use appliances.
“Students must turn off all electrical devices before leaving their rooms,” he warned. “We must all be more aware of security to avoid future occurrences.”