Abdul-Rahman Sanusi, a student in Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1 at a private primary school in Obada-Oko, allegedly committed suicide. The incident has left the school administration and the local community uncertain about what exactly happened.
Shortly after receiving a scolding from his parents for getting home late from school, the boy is said to have killed himself.
The school head, Olusesi Taiwo, expressed disbelief, saying: “That day was not the first time he went home late. And the scolding they said the parents gave him was not true because, even if the parents had scolded him, they would have scolded all three of them (alongside his two siblings).”
Additionally, Muhammad Salami, a teacher at the school, denied allegations of bullying or academic stress, characterising Sanusi as a happy, energetic teenager who had even played football the day of the tragic event.
Salami stated that no indications of psychological distress had been observed in the student by the school.
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed astonishment that a young JSS1 student would consider suicide. He recommended that the boy may have dealt with underlying problems and advised parents to watch out for indicators of distress in their children and to provide support.