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 infection.
The incident, said to have occurred on October 26, 2026, left several students experiencing vomiting, dizziness and abdominal pain, according to security analyst Zagazola Makama.
Some of the affected students were reportedly unconscious when they arrived at medical facilities for treatment.
The students were taken to General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital in Batagarawa, Katsina General Hospital and Turai Yar’Adua Hospital for medical attention.
The incident has also triggered allegations of physical assault against some teachers at the school.
According to Makama’s report, some teachers allegedly beat students who complained of feeling unwell, accusing them of pretending to be sick instead of ensuring they received prompt medical attention.
The allegations have raised concerns about the treatment of students during the incident and whether appropriate medical assistance was provided when the symptoms first emerged.
Makama called on the Katsina State Government and the state Ministries of Education and Health to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mass illness.
He urged authorities to establish the type of medication administered, the dosage given to the students and whether the exercise was conducted under adequate medical supervision.
