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Outrage as Principal, others brutalize JSS3 student to death at Al-Azhar Academy Zaria
Outrage as Principal, others brutalize JSS3 student to death at Al-Azhar Academy Zaria
By: Zagazola Makama
Tempers flayed and anger rent the air in Kofar Gayan area of Zaria, Kaduna State, when news of the painful death of a teenage student of Al-Azhar Academy filtered in. Marwanu Nuhu Sambo, a JSS3 student of the school, died Friday, 20 October 2023, allegedly after being brutally beaten by the Principal, Vice Principal and prefects of Al-Azhar Academy.
It was gathered that the Principal and his Vice paraded Sambo in front of the Assembly for missing classes. He was there and then subjected to merciless punishments including over a hundred strokes of the cane.
Quoting of the the boy’s classmates, “At the assembly, the Principal ordered that Marwanu should be given 105 strokes of cane. Thereafter, they took him to the office, removed his clothes and trousers and continued beating him with sticks on the head and back and his body”.
“The Principal later handed him over to the school prefects who continued beating him with sticks until one of his teeth fell off. It was at that point that the deceased went into coma.
“But instead of rushing him to the hospital, the prefects brought him out and dumped his body in the school premises near the male toilets until the closing time.
“Cries from other students in the school who watched in tripedation reportedly attracted other teachers who rushed to the scene where they found out that the boy has given up the ghost”.
“The school management quickly rushed him to a private hospital in an attempt to cover up the incident.
It was also alleged that the Management of the school also did not inform the parents of the student until rumors got to them that their child was brutally beaten in school and had been rushed to the hospital.
On their arrival to the hospital, the parents were told by the doctor that the child had already died before he was brought in. The Doctor confirmed that the boy sustained several injuries from the cruel and savage punishment by the management of the school that led to his death.
It has been almost 24 hours since the incident happened but no security agency had made any arrest or visited the families of the deceased. The school authority has also kept mum as if nothing happened.
It is hoped that the Government of Kaduna State, Nigerian Police Force, National Human Right Commission and other relevant Security Agencies will thoroughly investigate this matter with a view to unravelling the circumstances that led to the unfortunate death of the teenager and to serve justice to whoever is culpable in his death. This will serve as a deterrent to wicked teachers who vent their anger on innocent pupils put in their care.
Outrage as Principal, others brutalize JSS3 student to death at Al-Azhar Academy Zaria
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
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