President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the government of Niger Republic over the death of more than 20 children in a primary school in Niamey, the country’s capital.

Days ago, the school’s classrooms built with straw were gutted by fire, with students trapped without an alternative escape route, according to Reuters.

The children were said to be between the ages of three and five.

In a condolence message sent to Mohammed Bazoum, the country’s president, Mr Buhari described the incident as unfortunate while wishing injured pupils quick recoveries.

“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, we commiserate with our brotherly neighbours on this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families and communities affected by this unfortunate incident. Wishing quick recovery to those who were injured,” Mr Buhari wrote in his condolence message.

Mr Buhari has long been touted as having high affinity for the neighbouring African country, with his ancestral roots linked thereto.

Former colleague and retired army colonel, Tony Nyiam, recently told Arise News that the former military general once told his lieutenants that he is originally from Niger.

“General Muhammadu Buhari was my boss, the General Officer Commanding when I was commanding a unit under him. He went against Shagari to defend Nigerien interest against Chadians,” Mr Nyiam said.

“In one of the briefings, when he was briefing us he openly told us that his family, most of his family are from Niger and that he is a Nigerian officer and that he owes allegiance to Nigeria and I admired Buhari then, that a man whose family is partially from the Niger Republic and yet is loyal to Nigeria, this was against all the pressure given by other people that Shagari should pull out and allow the Chadians have their way, General Buhari refused,” he said.