The Kano State Government has launched a full-scale investigation into the deaths of two students from Government Boarding Secondary School, Bichi, following reports that they died after being assaulted by fellow students.
The victims, identified as Hamza Idris-Tofawa and Umar Yusuf-Dungurawa, reportedly succumbed to injuries inflicted by other students using locally crafted metal objects known as “Gwale-Gwale.” The attack was allegedly a form of punishment meted out by senior students.
State Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Makoda, through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bashir Baffa, directed an immediate and transparent probe into the incident. He stressed that the government is determined to ensure that justice prevails.
“It is an unfortunate and tragic incident. The Kano State Government is committed to conducting a thorough, fair and transparent investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice for all involved,” he said.
Preliminary findings suggest that the two students were disciplined by senior students for allegedly committing an unspecified offence, leading to fatal consequences.
Baffa, who visited the school on behalf of the ministry, urged students to refrain from vigilante actions and instead report grievances to appropriate school authorities.
“You should avoid taking the law into your hands and always report matters of concern to the school authorities for appropriate action,” he cautioned.
The commissioner conveyed the government’s condolences to the bereaved families, praying for peace upon the departed souls.
“On behalf of the Kano State Government, Ministry of Education, and the good people of Kano State, we extend our condolences to the families of the deceased and pray that Almighty Allah grants them Jannatul Firdaus,” he said.
Director of the Kano State Senior Secondary School Management Board, Abbas Abdullahi, described the incident as deeply disturbing and urged all students, particularly those in positions of authority, to exercise their roles with responsibility and restraint.
Family members of the deceased have called for justice. Ibrahim Yusuf-Dungurawa, a relative of one of the victims, appealed to the authorities to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable. Similarly, Malam Idris Garba-Tofawa, father of the other student, stated that while the family accepts the tragedy as the will of God, the government must take steps to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The state government has pledged to pursue the matter with seriousness, vowing to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
