There is palpable tension at the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, Kaduna State, as a “strange illness” reportedly killed two students within a week.
SaharaReporters learnt that many students are currently hospitalised at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital following the outbreak of the sickness in the military institution.
NMS is a boarding secondary school affiliated with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Military School (NMS) is organised into Headquarters (HQ NMS), Education Wing, Military Wing, Boys Battalion (BBn) and Administrative Company,” a post on the school website reads.
“The Education Wing has the enormous responsibility of providing the Boys with academic training. The wing was established in 1962 when the school became a full-fledged secondary school. It was established as a result of the growing need for junior leaders to be well informed and knowledgeable to enable them administer troops under command.”
Sources said on Thursday said some of the students being hospitalised are also battling for survival.
The unfortunate incident has caused anxiety with most parents storming the military facility to withdraw their children.
“Please, something strange is happening at the Nigeria Military School Zaria. Two students have died so far,” a parent said.
“Some of the parents including me have withdrawn our kids. As we’re talking, many students are in hospital.
“Most of the instructors are afraid to say it out. You can go to ABUTH GIT Department, that’s where most of the hospitalised students are admitted. Most of them are in critical conditions already.”
Another source added, “Some students fell sick in the school and were taken to hospital, two have died and the cause of their death is unknown.
“Though the school authorities are worried about the whole thing but unfortunately they’re still playing to the gallery.”
Speaking on the incident, Commandant of NMS, Brigadier General AD Audu confirmed the outbreak of the unknown illness and the death of two students of the institution.
He added that the cause of the outbreak was being investigated.
“Yes, we lost two students and some are hospitalised. The cause of this strange illness is being investigated.
“The result of tests conducted on the first student that died showed it was cardiovascular. We have the report already. Notwithstanding, we’re currently on the emergency response phase to identify the illnesses and causes.”