Hanifa’s murder: How students are avoiding teachers in Kano schools

By ABDULYASSAR ABDULHAMID

Following the tragic murder of a 5-year-old kid, Hanifa Abubakar, by the proprietor of her school in Kano State, parents now storm schools before closing hours to pick their children.

The case of Hanifa’s murder is fast changing the narrative in the state as even kids who were allowed to go to school and return home by themselves are now guided by parents or chaperones and parents storm schools before closing hours to ensure safe return of their children.

Abdulmalik Tanko, the proprietor of Noble Kids Nursery and Primary School, Kwanar Dakata, in Nasarawa Local Government of Kano State, was arrested over the death of Hanifa.

Tanko abducted little Hanifa from one of his schools at Kawaji community in Yankaba area of Kano metropolis in December and brought her to another school he ran, North West, in Tudun Murtala, killed, butchered and buried her in the school premises.

News of the murder of Hanifa has since sparked national outrage with President Muhammnadu Buhari, the First Lady, A’isha Buhari and other prominent Nigerians calling for justice for little Hanifa.

After his trial on Monday, Tanko and his accomplices were remanded till February, but the dark dust the dastardly act raised is somewhere suspended over the community, Tudun Murtala.

On Friday Kano State Government ordered the immediate closure of the school and withdrew its operational license. The school is where the fate of little Hanifa was sealed.

Also, in another swift move to douse the tension the news of Hanifa’s murder sparked especially as some angry youth set the school, where the victim was killed and buried, on fire, the state government revoked the operating licences of all private schools in the state.

However, a teacher in the community told Daily Trust that many parents were seen standing at the gates of some private schools in the community around 12noon on Tuesday, an hour before the closing time.

Lessons in almost all the private Nursery and primary schools in Kano state begin at 8:00 am and the schools close at 1pm.

Parents propose “gate pass”

Daily Trust gathered that parents in the community are proposing gate pass as a measure to prevent recurrence of the frightening story of the little Hanifa.

A teacher in one of the schools in the area said that on Monday some parents visited the school and proposed the use of gate passes to ensure adequate security of their children.

He said schools in the community will consider the proposal to ensure safety in schools and to restore mutual trust between schools and parents.

Teacher, student relate, but meters away

The teacher added that Hanifa’s incident has created a gap between teachers and students in the community.
He said, “Teachers are afraid to be go to students to avoid any suspicion, while students distance themselves from teachers to avoid being abducted.”

Hanifa’s school remains shut, but fear reigns in the community

The private school where the 5-year-old kid was killed and buried has remained shut, but uncertainty has continued to dog the tragic event.

A female teacher in one of the private schools in the community told Daily Trust that schools are operating in the area, but the murder discourse dominated school activities, as teachers and students recounted the bad news.

Still gatherings of people could be seen in different locations in the community, as the murder case climaxed with the arraignment of the suspected murderer and his accomplices.

A member of the community, Yahaya Sa’id said, “it is a trying times for the people of Tudun Murtala, as the community seems at a loss these days.”

Yahaya Sa’id said, “It’s very difficult for us as a community. People are not sure of what will happen after the murder case. It’s sad as nobody trusts even his neighbours anymore. I think the mood will last for a long time.”

However, a businessman in the area, who is familiar with the event, said the tabduction of little Hanifa and her consequent killing has sent the whole community, especially the neighbours of the school, in panic.

“The tragic event that led to the death of little Hanifa has unsettled Tudun Murtala. I think the panic Tanko caused may force many people to relocate to other communities. I had discussion with some of them and they are considering moving to other communities.”

He added that other schools competitors in the community have been significantly affected by the event, as they are yet to resume since the murder case was reported.

“Abdulmalik’s closet rivals like Al-Ibrar and Shajaratul Mubaraka have shut down, too. The teachers and proprietors are not seen. Maybe they may resume when the situation is doused. But the question is that will parents allow their children to attend the schools?”

Parents express fear

A mother in the community, Fauziyya D. Suleiman, said she was yet to recover from the shock Hanifa’s murder has plunged her into.
She said as a mother it pained her a lot and the incident will continue to haunt her for a long time.

Fauziyya said, “Education is must, but Hanifa’s case has inflicted a permanent injury of indecision in the minds of parents. Parents now have to be extraordinarily vigilant to know in whose hand they will entrust their wards.”

She added that the authority concerned especially the government must do diligence to make sure that only those who deserve to establish schools are given permits to do so.

A parent, Haruna Abubakar, said that he had been at a loss since the news of Hanifa’s murder broke out.
He said, “It’s only when you put yourself in Hanifa’s parents’ shoes you will property feel the pain. I am at a loss.” (Daily Trust)