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Family demands justice
From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Assistant Headrboy at Air Force Comprehensive School, Kaduna, Felix Blaise, has been allegedly bullied to death by his senior colleagues on the ‘seniority ground’.
A media source reported that the young man was allegedly murdered by two Senior Secondary (SS3) students in the school dormitory within the Air Force Base in Mando, Kaduna on June 19 this year.
Further investigation revealed that the leadership of the Nigeria Air Force was aware of the development though being sceptical in providing details into what really transpired in the school in its terse statement on Saturday.
“The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, and indeed the entire NAF family are saddened by the painful and unfortunate incident of the untimely death of one of our students at Air Force Secondary School, Kaduna on 19 Jun 24.
“To avoid all sorts of speculations, a thorough investigation is currently ongoing to unravel how, why, and what actually led to the death of the victim. Rest assured that this matter is receiving the utmost urgency it deserves, and we won’t rest until it is unraveled”, a statement by NAF Spokesman, AVM Edward Gabkwet read.
However, the family of the late boy was not happy with the levity of the NAF, and school management was handling such a grave incident, demanding justice.
Felix’s family member simply identified as Mr. Paul, who spoke to journalists in Kaduna on Sunday, hinted that the late boy was an orphan who was trying to become an important person in life having lost his parents at a tender age in 2013.
Mr. Paul did not explain further how his two parents died that year.
To him, the best the management of the school and the Nigerian Air Force could do to honour the late assistant head boy was to intensify efforts and unravel what led to his death with a sincere commitment to preventing a recurrence.
“Myself and the entire family are still in shock over the death of Felix. A brilliant and disciplined student to the core.
“The family was informed about the death of their nephew by the Education Secretary of the Air Force. We were assured that an investigation is currently ongoing to fish out the culprits and see that justice is served
“We as a family trust in the integrity of the school and the Air Force and we are confident that the killers of our son will not escape punishment”, Paul asserted.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director, United Women Voice Intl Foundation, Favour Henshaw has said that Nigeria is due for anti-bullying policy to tame the unfortunate trend in Nigerian private and public schools.
According to her, bullying and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) represent significant challenges for children and adolescents, often leaving lasting scars on their psychological well-being.
“While each phenomenon has been extensively discussed, understanding their interconnectedness with juvenile delinquency provides valuable insights for intervention and prevention efforts.
“Children who experience adverse childhood experiences such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or household dysfunctions are more likely to be involved in bullying, either as perpetrators or victims$, she noted.
She further asserted that, individuals who engage in bullying behaviour may exhibit a range of risk factors associated with delinquency, including aggression, impulsivity, and defiance of authority.
“Without appropriate intervention, these behaviours can escalate, leading to a more serious form of antisocial behaviour which is we are calling for a anti-bullying policy in Nigeria”, she added.
