A shocking incident in Bauchi State has left one of the oldest primary schools in the metropolis in ruins, after it was set ablaze by unidentified youth groups.
The Kandahar Primary School, a long-standing educational institution, was engulfed in flames on Friday following a violent altercation between local youth groups. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with many residents left in shock and confusion.
The tragic event unfolded in the Kandahar area, a region that has witnessed sporadic tension among youth in recent months. Residents say they heard loud voices from the school compound before noticing the telltale signs of a fire.
One eyewitness, who spoke to Tribune Online on the condition of anonymity, described the scene with haunting clarity. “We were sitting nearby when we heard shouting, but we didn’t know what was going on,” the resident recounted. “After some time, we saw flames rising from the roof of the classrooms. It was clear that nobody could get close to put out the fire.”
The flames quickly spread, leaving the school building in ashes. The eyewitness said that while the cause of the fire was unclear, the incident appeared to stem from a fight between rival youth groups in the area.
“It’s very unfortunate,” the resident continued. “This is the only primary school in the area. Now, when schools reopen in January 2025, our children will have nowhere to go. This is a huge setback for the community.”
The attack on Kandahar Primary School has sparked outrage in the community, with many now calling for swift action to identify and punish the perpetrators. One concerned parent said, “We cannot sit idly by while our children’s future is destroyed by senseless violence. The authorities must act fast.”
Despite attempts to get official confirmation from the Bauchi State Police Command, the Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakili, could not be reached for comment. He neither responded to messages sent via SMS and WhatsApp, nor did he answer his phone calls.
The Bauchi State Government has expressed deep shock over the incident, condemning the attack as both “unfortunate” and “barbaric.” In a statement, the government described the arson as a deliberate attempt to provoke anger and unrest within the community.
Alhaji Adamu Muhammad Duguri, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), led the government’s response. He strongly condemned the burning of Kandahar Primary School and urged parents to take responsibility for their children’s actions.
“This is a very sad and disappointing event,” Duguri said. “We cannot allow such acts to continue. Parents must step up and ensure their children do not engage in criminal activities. It is crucial for the community to work together to prevent further destruction of public property.”
Duguri’s condemnation of the attack was forceful. He expressed concern that parents had failed to properly monitor their children, which he believes played a role in the incident. “If parents are more involved in guiding their children, incidents like this would not happen,” he remarked.
The fire has left a significant void in the local educational infrastructure. Kandahar Primary School, once a pillar of the community, now lies in ruins, and the community is left without an immediate solution to the loss. For many children in the area, the future of their education hangs in the balance.
Duguri vowed that the government would leave no stone unturned in investigating the motives behind the attack. He made it clear that the perpetrators would face the full weight of the law.
“We will ensure that the truth comes out and that those responsible for this act will face justice,” Duguri promised. “This kind of behaviour must not go unpunished.”
The incident has also raised alarm over the increasing need for community engagement in protecting public assets, especially schools. Duguri pointed out that maintaining a secure learning environment requires the collective effort of everyone in the community. “It’s not just the government’s job to protect schools; it’s a shared responsibility,” he said.
In response to the damage done to Kandahar Primary, Duguri called on the public to continue supporting the state government’s efforts to improve education. “The Bauchi State Government, under the leadership of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, is committed to advancing the basic education sector,” he stated. “We are working hard to renovate and construct schools across the state to ensure a brighter future for our children.”
The burning of Kandahar Primary School serves as a wake-up call for parents in Bauchi State. It highlights the growing need for greater parental involvement in the lives of their children. Duguri stressed that when parents neglect their responsibilities, it creates an environment ripe for destructive behaviour.
“Parents must take responsibility for their children’s actions,” he urged. “This is the only way to ensure that our children grow up in a safe and supportive environment.”
The recent unrest also points to deeper issues within the community, where tensions among youth are reportedly on the rise. While the reasons behind the altercation remain unclear, it is clear that the situation has spiralled into violence, with innocent victims paying the price.
