Contrary to claims in some media sections about the killing of two students, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Command, has clarified what transpired at Junior Secondary School, Gwarinpa.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASCI Okomanyi Comfort, the NSCDC FCT Command received an invitation from the management of Junior Secondary School, Gwarinpa, dated November 21, 2023, and signed by the school director/principal, Mr. Akinfolajimi Olayinka, seeking security coverage.
“The NSCDC FCT Command was invited by the management of Junior Secondary School, Gwarinpa, for security coverage through a letter dated November 21, 2023, and signed by the school director/principal, Mr Akinfolajimi Olayinka,” the statement said.
The request for NSCDC’s presence was based on the school being terrorized by criminal elements gaining unauthorized access to the premises. The invitation was deemed necessary due to the increasing number of notorious students, posing a threat to the safety of other students and teachers.
“On Wednesday, November 29, the school was invaded by some notorious elements, including expelled students and their collaborators, disrupting the peace and causing mayhem by destroying cars belonging to teachers in the parking lot,” the statement continued.
It further reported that hoodlums armed with cudgels and other dangerous weapons attacked the deployed unarmed NSCDC personnel, staff, and students, prompting the call for backup by armed personnel.
“In the melee that followed, two (2) students sustained bullet wounds unintentionally when warning shots were fired into the air in an attempt to prevent carnage by some notorious ex-students who were suspected cult members that had been expelled from the school,” the statement clarified.
The NSCDC FCT Commandant informed the police counterpart, and both agencies collaborated to restore normalcy, peace, and order to the school premises.
The injured students are reported to be in stable condition, with contacts established with their parents.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, committed to professionalism and transparency in policing.
He ordered the Forensic Psychological Examination Wing of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre to evaluate all armed personnel of the FCT Command.
The corps management has initiated a panel of inquiry to investigate the matter, and internal disciplinary mechanisms will be deployed to address any personnel found wanting in the unfortunate incident.
