Amnesty International Nigeria has strongly condemned the recent killing of a 15-year-old student of Air Force Comprehensive School in Kaduna by fellow students.
Blaise Felix Aliyu, an orphan, was reportedly tortured to death by two of his senior colleagues.
The organisation expressed deep concern over the rising cases of student fatalities in Nigerian schools.
Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, stated, “Amnesty International is deeply concerned by the increase in such awful cases of students losing their lives in school. For our children, education should not be a matter of life and death.”
Sanusi stressed the need for a thorough investigation into Felix’s death, declaring, “This incident must not be swept under the carpet and justice must be served.”
Felix, who tragically became orphaned in 2013, left behind a twin brother also attending the same military boarding school. His body has been placed in the mortuary pending investigations to determine the exact cause of his death.
The Nigerian Air Force, responsible for the school, has initiated an investigation into the tragic incident but has not disclosed any specifics regarding the incident.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, however, assured that the investigation would unravel “how, why and what led to the death of the victim”.
Reports from the Air force Base suggest that two Senior Secondary 3 students allegedly invited Felix to their room to discipline him, but instead subjected him to severe torture with an electric iron, resulting in his untimely death.
The suspects, who were preparing for their NECO examination, have been apprehended.
Amnesty International Nigeria, therefore, called for urgent measures to address bullying and ensure the safety of students in schools.
“In view of the increasing incidents like this, the authorities must develop and implement zero tolerance for bullying in schools,” Sanusi urged.
The organisation emphasised the need for a comprehensive safe school plan to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation continue, Amnesty International Nigeria insists that it remains committed to advocating for justice and accountability in Felix’s case, ensuring that those responsible are held to account for their actions.
Credit: Saharareporters
Leave a Reply