Kano Launches Investigation Into Deaths of Two Students
The Kano State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Ali Makoda, has ordered a full and thorough investigation into the tragic deaths of two students, Hamza Tofawa and Umar Dungurawa, of the Government Boarding Secondary School, Bichi.
The students were reportedly attacked by their colleagues using locally-made metal objects known as “Gwale-Gwale,” in what is believed to have been a brutal form of punishment administered by senior students.
In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Balarabe Kiru, and made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday, the Commissioner, through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bashir Muhammad, assured the public that the government is committed to conducting a fair, transparent investigation. He emphasized that justice will be pursued for all parties involved.
“It was reported that the brutal act followed a decision taken by some senior students to treat the deceased as punishment for allegedly committing an offence,” the statement noted.
The Permanent Secretary, who visited the school in person, urged students to resist the urge to take the law into their own hands. He advised them to report grievances or concerns to school authorities rather than resort to violence.
He also expressed deep sympathy to the grieving families, stating, “On behalf of the Kano State Government, Ministry of Education, and the good people of Kano State, we extend our condolences to the family of the deceased and pray for Almighty Allah to grant their souls Jannatul Firdaus.”
Also reacting to the tragedy, the Director of the Secondary School, Kano State Senior Secondary School Management Board, Abbas Abdullahi, expressed sorrow over the incident. He cautioned students against abusing their positions or privileges, reaffirming the government’s determination to uncover the truth behind the deaths.
This heartbreaking event represents a severe violation of the fundamental right to life of the children. The deaths of the children in a school environment, a place that should be safe, nurturing, and protective, raise urgent questions about the systems in place to protect students from harm.
