Two local Islamic students (Almajirai), identified as Abdullahi (12) and Aminu (14), have died, while four others are receiving medical treatment after allegedly ingesting a poisonous substance in the Gwammaja area, Kotu Street, of Kano city.
The incident occurred on Friday, with local sources saying the boys consumed what they believed was milk powder thrown over a fence into their compound.
According to their Islamic teacher, Malam Nafiu, the substance was mixed into tea by the children on Wednesday. Shortly after drinking it, they began to fall seriously ill.
“Someone threw the substance over the fence. It’s something commonly used in tea. The boys thought it was milk; four of them managed to recover, but sadly, Abdullahi and Aminu didn’t make it.” Malam Nafiu recounted.
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The deceased, originally from Dandume Local Government Area in Katsina State, had been brought to Kano to study the Qur’an.
Eyewitnesses reported that foam was seen around the mouths of the deceased, heightening suspicion that the substance was poison. The exact cause of death has not been confirmed pending autopsy and toxicology tests.
Police officers have visited the scene and launched an investigation. They have also secured the suspected substance and taken it into custody for forensic analysis.
A resident of the area, Tahir Majid, expressed sorrow over the tragedy. “This is devastating. These children were humble and hardworking. This has never happened in our community before. We urge the authorities to uncover the truth behind their deaths.”
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The children’s parents have already been contacted and are reportedly on their way from Dandume in Katsina State.
As of the time of filing this report, the bodies of the deceased were still at their teacher’s home, awaiting burial rites upon the conclusion of preliminary investigations.
More updates are expected as the investigation continues.
