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
-
Dafeamekpor, Kabila clash over past comments on Woyome case and Wontumi arrest
33 minutes -
Give schools power to dismiss violent students – EduWatch urges as indiscipline rises
36 minutes -
Excitement peaks at Hitz FM’s ‘Rep Ur Jersey’ ahead of UCL final at Aviation Social Centre
51 minutes -
2025 Unity Cup: Black Stars hammer Trinidad and Tobago to finish third
1 hour -
Mid-air turnaround of OP122 flight was due to technical issue, not fuel shortage – PassionAir clarifies
1 hour -
Support children battling cancer -Lifeline for Childhood Cancer appeals
2 hours -
Mz Nana shines bright with triple nomination at 2025 Ghana Music Awards USA
2 hours -
What do we lose if suspended CJ hearing is publicised? – Bomfeh questions closed proceedings
2 hours -
Fuel shortage forces Passion Air flight bound for Takoradi to return mid-air to Accra
3 hours -
Bawumia arranged sureties for Wontumi’s release – Hassan Tampuli claims
3 hours -
Wontumi’s bail varying application was instructed by his wife – Tampuli
4 hours -
Manner of Wontumi’s EOCO arrest needless and avoidable – Bomfeh
4 hours -
If the state failed to act yesterday, it is today – Dafeamekpor on Wontumi’s arrest
4 hours -
There seems to be conflict about who represents Wontumi – Dr Kojo Asante
4 hours -
Wontumi’s EOCO arrest and detention violates constitution – Hassan Tampuli
5 hours