Gambiaj.com – (FARAFENNI, The Gambia) – A recent fire outbreak in Farafenni, North Bank Region (NBR), has destroyed a full apartment used as a madrasa school, displacing dozens of students who now find refuge in a nearby mosque. The madrasa, owned by Matida Sanneh, housed 35 students from various parts of the country who were learning the Qur’an and English.

The cause of the mysterious fire remains unknown. Victims have reported the loss of food, clothing, and tuition fees paid by the students. Matida Sanneh, describing the incident as “tragic,” expressed her devastation, saying, “It is a painful experience because all our belongings have been ravaged in the fire.”

Sanneh recounted the events, stating, “I left our compound to attend to some errands. However, upon returning home, I saw smoke coming out from the apartment and the children were running away. Luckily for us, no one was injured during the fire incident.”

She noted the intensity of the fire made it difficult to control, leading to the complete destruction of the apartment. Fire rescue officers were contacted but were unable to extinguish the blaze. “We have lost everything during the fire incident, including clothing, food, 50 beds, and an unknown amount of money paid by the students as tuition fees. I also lost some of my money during the incident,” Sanneh lamented.

When asked about the students’ whereabouts during the fire, Sanneh said, “All the madrasa students went to the mosque for recitation of the Qur’an, and others went out to the town.”

Matida Sanneh has called on the government, philanthropists, individuals, and organizations for assistance. “Currently, we are in dire need of help from all and sundry. Most of the children in the school are orphans,” she pleaded.

Despite the inability to control the fire, Sanneh expressed gratitude to the local inhabitants for their swift response to the incident.