A violent confrontation between students of two secondary schools in Ilorin, Kwara State, left over 10 students injured on Monday morning.
The incident occurred in the Adeta area of the state capital, involving students from Government High School and Government Day Secondary School.
Eyewitnesses said the clash, which erupted around 11 a.m., was a suspected cult-related supremacy battle.
The brawl is believed to be a reprisal attack stemming from a disagreement that occurred about two weeks ago.
The situation quickly escalated, leaving several students with injuries ranging from bruises to severe wounds.
Parents and residents of the area expressed shock and fear over the level of violence displayed by the students.
“This kind of behavior is unacceptable,” said a resident who witnessed the incident. “What kind of future are we building with this level of aggression among our youth?”
In response to the clash, the Kwara State Government issued a strong statement condemning the incident.
Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, expressed deep dissatisfaction over the violent behavior.
“We are not happy with the unruly attitudes exhibited by some students of Government Day Secondary School, Adeta, and Government High School, Adeta,” Modibbo Kawu said in a statement.
She revealed that the principals of the two schools reported that the rivalry between the students has existed for almost a decade.
“They have been managing this crisis for years, but this incident shows a complete breakdown of discipline,” she added.
The commissioner also expressed disappointment in the school authorities for not alerting the ministry earlier.
“We could have intervened before the situation escalated to this point,” she said.
Modibbo Kawu assured parents and stakeholders that the government would intervene to address the issue.
She called on the students to focus on their studies and avoid actions that could tarnish the image of their families, schools, and the state.
“Students must understand that their behavior reflects on the state as a whole,” she stated.
The incident has sparked widespread concern over the influence of cultism in secondary schools.
Educationists and community leaders have urged the government to take decisive action to curb the trend of violence among schoolchildren.
“Cultism in schools is a serious problem that threatens the future of these children,” said a concerned parent.
The Kwara State Government has pledged to investigate the incident and take appropriate measures to ensure it does not happen again.
Modibbo Kawu urged students to reciprocate the government’s efforts by being law-abiding and disciplined.
“Violence will only destroy your future,” she warned.
