Esther Salifu
A recent decision by Gombe State University to lift its long-standing ban on gas cylinders in student hostels has come under intense scrutiny after a late-night fire, reportedly caused by a cooking gas explosion, left three female students hospitalised and raised fresh concerns about campus safety.
The fire, which tore through a bungalow-style hostel building within the university campus, is suspected to have been caused by a cooking gas explosion.
According to initial findings by the Federal Fire Service in Gombe, the incident was likely triggered by unattended cooking using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Assistant Superintendent of Fire, Bashir Muazu, who confirmed the details on Friday, described the incident as “unfortunate” but avoidable.
“It was caused by LPG, cooking gas. Based on preliminary investigation, it was due to unattended cooking by a student,” Muazu told reporters.
Though there were no fatalities, three students were hospitalized two due to smoke inhalation and one for anxiety-related symptoms. The fire was eventually brought under control, but not before significant damage and a wave of anxiety among students.
The incident has reignited debate over a recent university policy change. The management had only recently lifted a longstanding ban on the use of gas cylinders in hostels a policy originally introduced over safety concerns. For years, students were restricted to kerosene stoves for cooking within campus.
Speaking anonymously, several students criticised the university’s emergency response, pointing to what they described as “non-functional fire service equipment” on campus.
“The fire could have been put out quickly if the school’s fire service was functioning well,” one student said.
Efforts to obtain a response from the university’s Public Relations Officer, Hadu Naphtali, were unsuccessful. Calls and messages sent to his phone remained unanswered as of press time.
In response to the incident, the State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, DCF S. M. Sulaiman, has advised the university to immediately reinstate the ban on LPG use in student hostels.
“This decision is aimed at preventing future accidents and ensuring the safety of students,” Sulaiman said in a statement, adding that the Fire Service is ready to collaborate with the university to strengthen fire safety infrastructure.
He further urged students, staff, and the broader campus community to prioritise fire safety and promptly report any hazardous conditions.
As investigations continue, affected students are receiving medical attention, while others have been temporarily relocated.
The university is yet to issue an official statement on whether disciplinary action will follow or how it intends to manage cooking arrangements going forward.
