Authorities in Kano State, northern Nigeria, have opened a full-scale investigation following the deaths of two boarding school students allegedly beaten to death by older classmates.
The students, named as Hamza Idris-Tofawa and Umar Yusuf-Dungurawa, attended the Government Boarding Secondary School in Bichi. According to reports, they were attacked with crude metal tools known locally as “Gwale-Gwale” in what senior students claimed was a disciplinary measure.
Kano State’s Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Makoda, speaking via Permanent Secretary Bashir Baffa, called the incident “tragic” and assured the public that the investigation would be thorough and impartial. “The government is committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served,” he stated.
Early findings suggest the younger students had allegedly committed an offence before being punished by senior students—actions which turned deadly.
During a visit to the school, a government representative urged students to report grievances to school officials rather than resort to violence. “Avoid taking the law into your own hands,” he warned.
On behalf of the state government, Makoda extended condolences to the bereaved families, praying for the victims’ souls.
Alhaji Abbas Abdullahi of the Kano State Senior Secondary School Management Board also condemned the violence, calling on students in positions of authority to use their influence wisely.
Relatives of the victims have called for accountability. Ibrahim Yusuf-Dungurawa, a family member, demanded justice, while Malam Idris Garba-Tofawa, father of one of the boys, accepted the loss as the will of God but appealed for reforms to prevent similar incidents.
The Kano State Government has pledged to investigate every detail surrounding the incident and ensure those responsible face justice.
