A gas explosion causing fire has burnt down a female hostel block in the Yobe State University, Damaturu.
It was learnt that the fire started at about 7pm on Tuesday, from a cooking gas cylinder in the building.
Eight female students who were traumatised from the incident had been admitted in the university’s clinic and the specialist hospital in Damaturu.
No death was recorded, the university authority said Wednesday.
A statement by the university signed by one Abdulmumini Kolo Gulani, said the explosion happened at the New Females Hostel A of the University.
Gulani said the fire had been put under control by firemen of the Yobe State University and the state fire service.
He said all the students were evacuated safely.
The statement said the cause of the incident was yet to be known, adding that the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Mala Mohammed Daura, was working with both the security division and fire service of the university to find out the cause of the disaster and devise a lasting solution.
Meanwhile, Governor Mai Mala Buni of the state has commiserated with the management and students.
Governor Buni in a statement by his Director General Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Muhammad, said the inferno was unfortunate, but expressed gratitude that no life was lost.
“We remain grateful that in spite of the huge fire that razed down the hostel, no life was lost.
“SEMA is hereby directed to provide food, clothing, and beddings while the government looks for alternative accommodations for the female students,” he said.
Governor Buni told the students and people of the state to be vigilant and avoid actions capable of causing fire.
He said the government would look into the remote and immediate cause of the fire disaster to guard against future occurrences.
