PDP candidate demands justice for slain Kogi teacher

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ogugu State Constituency seat in the 2027 Kogi State House of Assembly election, Michael Idoko, has called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the alleged killing of a 22-year-old school teacher, Mariam Usman, by the parents of her pupil.

While calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those allegedly involved in her death, Idoko, in a statement on Sunday, described the incident as “barbaric, heartbreaking and a gross violation of human dignity”, insisting that the deceased “must not die in vain”.

Mariam, who taught at Brains Mind School, Ugbamaka Igah, in Okpo District of Olamaboro Local Government Area, reportedly died after allegedly suffering a series of assaults linked to disciplinary action she took against a pupil in the course of her duties.

According to an account by her family, the teacher administered corporal punishment to a pupil on June 17, 2026, for alleged misconduct in class. The family claimed that the child’s father, identified as Ishaq Abdullahi, subsequently assaulted Mariam at her residence.

They further alleged that she was later attacked by the man’s wife on her way to the mosque, where she was beaten and publicly humiliated.

According to the family, three other individuals allegedly joined in another assault on June 18, leaving the teacher with severe injuries before she reportedly lost consciousness and later died.

The allegations have not been independently verified by security agencies, and the police are yet to issue an official statement on any arrests or prosecution in connection with the incident.

Reacting to the development, Idoko described the circumstances surrounding the teacher’s death as unacceptable in any civilised society and urged security agencies to launch a thorough and impartial investigation.

“I condemn in totality the gruesome killing of Mariam Usman. No disagreement or misunderstanding, regardless of its nature, should ever result in the loss of a precious human life. This is painful, unacceptable, and a tragedy that must not be ignored,” he said.

The PDP flag-bearer called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to swiftly unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

“I call on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to carry out a comprehensive investigation into this unfortunate incident and arrest every individual found to have participated in the assault or contributed to the death of Mariam Usman. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” he said.

He warned against acts of jungle justice, stressing that no individual has the right to take the law into their own hands.

“We cannot continue to tolerate acts of lawlessness where individuals assume the role of judge, jury and executioner. Nigeria is governed by laws, and every grievance should be resolved through lawful means, not violence,” he added.

Idoko also extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, praying for the repose of her soul and for the strength for her loved ones to bear the loss.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the late Mariam Usman. I pray that Almighty God grants them the strength to bear this painful loss and grants the departed eternal rest. As a society, we owe her and her family justice,” he said.

He further appealed to residents of Olamaboro Local Government Area to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue.

According to him, ensuring justice for the slain teacher would not only provide some measure of closure for her family but also strengthen public confidence in the rule of law and serve as a deterrent against similar acts of violence.