By Uzair Adam
The Kano State Government has launched a full investigation into the tragic deaths of two students at Government Boarding Secondary School, Bichi, following reports of a violent assault by their fellow students.
The deceased, Hamza Idris-Tofawa and Umar Yusuf-Dungurawa, were allegedly attacked with locally made metal objects, known as “Gwale-Gwale,” in what was described as a form of punishment by senior students.
Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Makoda, through the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Bashir Baffa, directed an immediate and transparent probe into the incident, assuring the public that justice would be served.
“This is a sad and tragic event. The government is committed to a thorough and fair investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice for everyone involved,” he said.
Preliminary findings suggest the students may have been punished by their seniors for an alleged offence, which ultimately led to their deaths.
During a visit to the school, the commissioner’s representative urged students to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to always report serious issues to school authorities.
“Always channel your complaints through the right authorities. Don’t take justice into your own hands,” he cautioned.
Makoda, on behalf of the state government, extended condolences to the families and prayed for the souls of the deceased, asking Allah to grant them Jannatul Firdaus.
Also commenting, the Director of the Senior Secondary School Management Board, Alhaji Abbas Abdullahi, condemned the incident and reminded students to act responsibly.
Meanwhile, relatives of the deceased called on the government to ensure accountability. Ibrahim Yusuf-Dungurawa, a family member, urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Similarly, Malam Idris Garba-Tofawa, father of one of the victims, accepted the tragedy as the will of God but appealed for stronger safeguards to prevent a recurrence.
The state government has vowed to exhaust all efforts in uncovering the full circumstances behind the students’ deaths.