SaharaReporters has reported heightened tension at the Nigerian Military School (NMS) in Zaria, Kaduna State, following the outbreak of a “strange illness” that has reportedly claimed the lives of two students within a week.
According to the report, several students are currently hospitalised at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) as a result of the mysterious sickness that has struck the boarding secondary school, which is affiliated with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Sources informed SaharaReporters that the situation has created widespread anxiety among parents, with many rushing to the institution to withdraw their children. One parent stated, “Please, something strange is happening at the Nigerian Military School, Zaria. Two students have died so far. Some of the parents, including me, have withdrawn our kids. As we’re talking, many students are in hospital. Most of them are in critical conditions already.”
The report also quoted another source who revealed that the school’s instructors appeared reluctant to speak openly about the issue, despite its severity.
“Some students fell sick in the school and were taken to the hospital. Two have died, and the cause of their deaths is unknown. Though the school authorities are worried, they’re still playing to the gallery,” the source alleged.
Confirming the development, the Commandant of NMS, Brigadier General AD Audu, acknowledged the outbreak and the deaths. He explained that investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the illness. He said, “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.”
According to the NMS website, the institution operates under various units, including the Education Wing, which is responsible for the academic training of its students.
The school transitioned into a full-fledged secondary school in 1962 to meet the growing need for junior leaders within the Armed Forces to be adequately informed and equipped.
