Adeyemi Alimot
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the Nigerian Air Force Comprehensive School in Kaduna recently witnessed the tragic death of 15-year-old Blaise Aliyu, a promising student who succumbed to punishment inflicted by two senior colleagues.
This incident has plunged Blaise’s family and the entire institution into deep sorrow, drawing attention to the severe disciplinary measures in military schools.
Blaise, who had previously lost his parents in 2013, found solace in his twin brother. Both boys navigated life’s challenges together at the military boarding school in Mando, Kaduna.
The tragic incident unfolded when two SS3 students called Blaise into their room, and what started as a simple punishment quickly escalated into fatal violence.
His body now lies in the mortuary, bearing brutal evidence of the suffering he endured.The Nigerian Air Force has vowed to investigate the incident thoroughly.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet expressed the deep sorrow felt by the Air Force community, emphasizing that the investigation is being treated with the highest priority to uncover the truth behind Blaise’s death.
This tragedy is not an isolated incident. In June 2022, Eneh Chinemerem, a student at Command Secondary School, Enugu, died after being flogged by a soldier-teacher for having bushy hair.
His mother, Adaeze Chibuzor, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, showing images of her son’s swollen head and eye before he passed away.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) demanded action and accountability from the Nigerian Army, but the family chose to leave the matter in God’s hands.
In March 2021, another tragic incident occurred at a military school in Lagos, where 15-year-old Ibrahim (surname withheld) died due to extreme physical punishment by senior cadets.
Despite showing signs of exhaustion, his pleas were ignored, leading to his death from severe physical exertion and dehydration.
The incident prompted investigations and calls for reforms in disciplinary practices in military schools.
Amnesty International Nigeria condemned Blaise’s death, calling for a thorough investigation and a zero-tolerance policy for bullying in schools.
Director Isa Sanusi emphasized life and death for children.These tragic deaths serve as stark reminders of the potentially fatal consequences of harsh disciplinary practices in military schools.
They highlight the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure student safety and humane treatment, balancing discipline with the welfare of young cadets.
The memory of Blaise Aliyu and others who have suffered will remain a call to action for vigilance, compassion, and reform in Nigerian military educational institutions.