The Kwara State Government has reacted to a viral video in which some students of Musbaudeen Islamic School, a Madrasa (Arabic/Quranic) school in Ilorin were seen being flogged for alleged conducts conceived to be contrary to the rules of the school.
A government delegation has visited the school for first hand information on what led to what some people have described as gross violation of the rights of the affected students.
The team comprised the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu; Special Assistant to the Governor on Religion (Islam) Alhaji Danmaigoro; Dr Saudat AbduBaqi of the University of Ilorin; Mallam Lawal Olohungbebe of Kwara State University; and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye.
The team was joined by the Divisional Police Officer Ganmo SP Oko Nkama, and a representative of the NSCDC, DSC Parati AbdulHameed.
The government’s team interacted with the authorities of the Arabic school, the father of the only girl in the video, and four other affected students.
Despite the explanations of the authorities on the development, the self-confessed consent of the parents and regret of the affected students, the government showed displeasure to the harsh beating seen in the footage.
Reacting, the state government has directed the setting up of an investigative committee, comprising Muslim scholars, leaders and government officials, to look into the issue while the head of the Arabic school, who admitted to directing the punishment, has been asked to step aside pending the conclusion of the investigation.
The government has also taken the affected students to a public hospital for proper medical examination and treatment. This is to ensure that none of them suffers any physical or psychological damage.
While commending the Ganmo Muslim community for the support given to the team, the government appeals for calm while the committee does it works and submits a report for further action.
