At least 64 students of Government Science Secondary School, Batagarawa, Katsina State, have reportedly been hospitalised after developing severe symptoms following the administration of medication for schistosomiasis, a parasitic worm infection.
The incident reportedly occurred on October 26, 2026, when several students began experiencing vomiting, dizziness and abdominal pain after taking the medication.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, some of the affected students were reportedly unconscious when they arrived at the hospitals.
The students were subsequently taken to General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital in Batagarawa, Katsina General Hospital and Turai Yar’Adua Hospital for medical attention.
The incident has also raised concerns over allegations that some teachers physically assaulted students who complained of feeling unwell.
According to the report, the teachers allegedly accused the pupils of pretending to be sick rather than helping them seek medical attention.
Makama called on the Katsina State Government and the Ministries of Education and Health to launch an investigation into the incident to establish the circumstances surrounding the students’ illnesses.
He urged the authorities to determine the type of medication administered, the dosage given to the students and whether proper medical supervision was provided during the exercise.
He also called for an investigation into the allegations of assault against the teachers, stressing the need for appropriate action if the claims are established.