Fire outbreak has claimed the life of a 300-level student of Federal University Gashua in Yobe State, Shamsiya Murtala, and left three others severely injured.
Murtala, a student of Geography Department died when the blaze gutted and destroyed a female hostel of about 29 rooms accommodating 301 students.
This is contained in a statement by Alhaji Adamu Saleh, Head, Information and Protocol Unit, of the institution.
He said the incident which occurred in the afternoon, sent shockwaves across the university community, prompting swift response from emergency services unit of the institution.
Saleh said the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maimuna Waziri, on behalf of the Senate, Management, staff and students of the university, expressed deep shock and sympathy over the incident.
According to him, she directed a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire outbreak to prevent future occurrence.
The official added that the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate has directed the immediate closure of the University to prevent possible break down of law and order.
A statement signed by the University’s Registrar, Dr. Abubakar Mamuda, directed all students to vacate the Campus premises immediately and return to their homes or safe location until further notice.
Our correspondent recalls that in February, another female hostel was ravaged by a similar fire incident at Yobe State University, Damaturu.
Although no casualty was recorded in that incident, about 200 students lost their entire belongings.
