Over 64 Students Hospitalised In Katsina After Taking Worm Infection Medication; Teachers Allegedly Beat Sick Pupils For Faking Illness

About 64 students of Government Science Secondary School, Batagarawa, Katsina State, have reportedly been hospitalised after developing complications following medication administered to treat a parasitic worm infection known as schistosomiasis, with allegations that some teachers b+at students they accused of pretending to be sick.

According to a report by Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred on October 26, 2026, after students reportedly developed symptoms including vomiting, dizziness and abdominal pain. Some were allegedly unconscious upon arrival at medical facilities.

The affected students were taken to General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital in Batagarawa, Katsina General Hospital and Turai Yar’Adua Hospital for urgent medical attention.

Beyond the reported health complications, some teachers were allegedly accused of physically a§§aulting students showing signs of illness, claiming they were being mischievous instead of seeking immediate medical assistance.

The incident has raised concerns about student safety, medical supervision and the treatment of children during school-based health interventions.

Zagazola Makama has called on the Katsina State Government, particularly the Ministries of Education and Health, to launch an immediate and independent investigation.

Authorities were urged to establish the medication administered, its dosage, whether proper screening and medical supervision were provided, and whether approved procedures were followed.

The report also called for a separate investigation into the alleged b+ating, including identifying the teachers involved and determining whether students sustained additional injuries.

It urged the government to take appropriate disciplinary or legal action if the allegations are substantiated and ensure that such an incident does not happen again.