The burials for 25 children killed in a fire at their school in Niger's southern city of Maradi are underway.
The Monday blaze engulfed classrooms made of wood and straw.
On Tuesday morning, distraught parents gathered at the main Regional Hospital to take their children's bodies for burials.
The victims were aged between three and eight – some burnt beyond recognition.
Niger’s government officials including ministers are also attending the funerals.
Many other victims are being treated for severe burns in hospital.
Three days of mourning have already begun.
It is not yet clear what caused the fire at the thatched nursery and primary school.
But Niger has seen similar fire outbreaks in several schools this year killing dozens of children - including in the capital Niamey.
The government has been criticised for not doing enough to ensure the safety of children in schools after the previous incidents.
Teaching in classrooms made of straw and wood has now been banned but no alternative materials have been provided.
Niger has chronic shortages of educational infrastructure with some of the highest illiteracy and poverty rates in the world.
Latest Stories
-
‘Expired’ rice scandal: FDA is complicit; top officials must be fired – Ablakwa
14 seconds -
#TheManifestoDebate: We’ll provide potable water, expand water distribution network – NDC
18 mins -
IPR Ghana@50: Pupils educated to keep the environment clean
24 mins -
PenTrust CEO named ‘Best Pensions CEO’, company wins ‘Scheme Administrator Award’ at Ghana Accountancy & Finance Awards 2024
44 mins -
Alan Kyerematen’s ‘Brighter Future for Health Professionals’ in Ghana Revealed in Bono
54 mins -
#TheManifestoDebate: NPP will ensure a safer, cleaner and greener environment – Dr Kokofu
1 hour -
2024 Election: Police to deal with individuals who will cause trouble – IGP
1 hour -
Seychelles President’s visit rekindles historical and diplomatic ties with Ghana
1 hour -
Election 2024: EC destroys defective ballot papers for Ahafo and Volta regions
1 hour -
2024 Election: I am sad EC disqualified me, but I endorse CPP’s candidate – PNP’s Nabla
2 hours -
I want to build a modern, inclusive country anchored by systems and data – Bawumia to CSOs
2 hours -
Miss Health Ghana 2024: Kujori Esther Cachana crowned new Health Ambassador
2 hours -
Playback: The manifesto debate on WASH and climate change
2 hours -
Alan Kyerematen saddened by NDC and NPP’s neglect of Krofrom Market in the Ashanti Region
2 hours -
CSIR Executive Director urges farmers to adopt technology for improved farming
2 hours