Tragedy struck in Kiyawa Local Government Area of Jigawa State as a 16-year-old Almajiri boy lost his life after suspected hoodlums plucked out one of his eyes. The incident was confirmed by the Jigawa State Police Command in a statement released by its Public Relations Officer.
According to the statement, the victim's teacher reported the matter to the police after the boy failed to return home from a nearby bush where he went to fetch firewood. The teacher alleged that the deceased was later found lying in a pool of blood with one of his eyes removed.
The police spokesman added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of the heinous crime and bring them to justice. He also urged members of the public to assist the police with any useful information that could lead to the arrest of the culprits.
The incident has generated widespread condemnation and calls for action to address the issue of Almajiri children in the country. Almajiri is a system of Islamic education in Northern Nigeria, where children are sent to study with Islamic scholars but end up roaming the streets begging for alms.
Many have criticized the system, stating that it promotes poverty and illiteracy, and exposes the children to various forms of abuse and neglect. Several states in Northern Nigeria have banned the Almajiri system, but it remains prevalent in many parts of the region.
The tragic death of the 16-year-old Almajiri boy is a reminder of the urgent need for the government to tackle the issue of Almajiri children and provide them with a better future. It is also a call for security agencies to intensify efforts in curbing the rising cases of insecurity and violence in the country.
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