GEP Kano Demands Independent Probe Into Death of 14 Year Old Student, Calls for Protection of Girl Child
By Faisal A Harande
KANO, NIGERIA – The Girl Education Partnership (GEP) Kano, a coalition of civil society organizations advocating for girl child education and protection, has expressed deep concern and outrage over the reported death of 14-year-old Maimuna Salisu Yaro, a JSS2 student of St. Louis Secondary School, Kano.
In a position statement issued on Thursday, June 18, 2026, the group described the incident as a painful reminder that schools must remain safe environments where children are protected, not places where they experience fear or harm.
GEP Kano acknowledged the efforts of the Kano State Government in promoting girl child education but stressed that the death of any child within a learning environment requires urgent accountability and a thorough review of school safety systems.
The coalition stated that it aligns with the concerns raised by the St. Louis Old Girls Association (SLOGA), demanding transparency and justice over the circumstances surrounding Maimuna’s death.
According to GEP Kano, allegations that the student collapsed after a disciplinary action involving kneeling, denial of water, and exposure under the sun must be independently investigated. The organization noted that, if proven true, such actions would raise serious concerns regarding child protection standards and education policies.
The group also expressed concern over reports of limited access to information, alleged failure to provide official incident reports, and calls for greater openness from the school authorities.
GEP Kano’s Demands
The coalition called on the Kano State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to immediately launch a transparent and independent investigation into the incident, with regular updates made available to the public.
It further demanded that St. Louis Secondary School provide access to relevant authorities, parents, human rights observers, and representatives of SLOGA, while urging the release of medical records, incident reports, and eyewitness accounts to support the investigation.
GEP Kano also called for accountability for any individual found responsible and urged the Ministry of Education to review disciplinary practices across schools in the state.
The organization recommended an immediate ban on corporal punishment and degrading treatment in schools, alongside mandatory child protection and safeguarding training for teachers and school administrators.
The coalition further appealed for psychosocial support for Maimuna’s family, classmates, and students affected by the incident, stressing that the wellbeing of children must remain the priority of every educational institution.
Reacting to the development, GEP Kano Chairperson, Dr. Mairo Bello, said justice for Maimuna must go beyond condolences, while the organization’s Secretary, Safiyanu Bichi, emphasized the need for lasting reforms to ensure that every girl in Kano can learn in a safe and secure environment.
GEP Kano urged the Kano State Government to treat the matter as an emergency, warning that silence without truth and accountability could weaken public confidence in the education system.
The coalition maintained that Maimuna Salisu Yaro deserves justice, her family deserves answers, and every child in Kano deserves protection within the school environment.
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