We are in accordance with Islamic teachings to flog students – Cleric

An Islamic cleric in Musbaudeen Al Islamy Arabic School, Ganmo, Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State has said the flogging of the students is in accordance with Islamic teachings.

Newsflash Nigeria had reported that the five male and female students of the Islamic school were flogged by their senior colleagues in viral videos on the internet.

The development has stirred reactions online, as some people have called for legal actions to be taken with respect to the issue.

A cleric of the school while reacting to the incident said flogging of the students was justified with Islamic teachings.

He further stated that the parents of the affected students approved the severe flogging.

The cleric said, “Some parents called us, blaming us that we were not looking after their children who are kept under our care. They said we should check social media.

“We saw them in a club pouring Trophy beer on one of them to celebrate his birthday.

“In fact, a lady was with them and they were hugging her.

“This saddened us, especially with what their parents said against us. That’s why we gave them that kind of punishment.

“Those who are drinkers may not see anything bad what these children did. But to us, it’s very bad.

“We punished some four days ago and others three days ago. We don’t usually flog them. But their parents called us and some have assured us that they would stand with us to any length.”

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Meanwhile, the Kwara State government has suspended the head of the Arabic school for flogging five of the students including a female because they allegedly attended a birthday party in a clubhouse.

The government had also set up a panel to investigate the incident while the affected students have been taken to the hospital for medical attention.

In a statement on Sunday by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu said the school principal has been asked to step aside, while a panel has been set up to investigate the incident.

The statement reads,” A Kwara State Government’s delegation has visited the Arabic school whose students were seen in video footage being punished for alleged conducts conceived to be contrary to the rules of the school.

“The team comprised the Hon. Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu; Special Assistant to the Governor on Religion (Islam) Alhaji Danmaigoro; Dr Saudat AbduBaqi of the University of Ilorin; Mallam Lawal Olohungbebe of Kwara State University; and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye.

“The team was joined by the Divisional Police Officer Ganmo SP Oko Nkama; and a representative of the NSCDC DSC Parati AbdulHameed.

The statement added that” The government’s team carefully listened to the authorities of the Arabic school, the father of the sole girl in the video, and four other students involved in the unsavoury development.

“Regardless of the explanations of the authorities on the development, the self-confessed consent of the parents and regret of the affected students, the government seriously frowns at the harsh beating seen in the footage.

“Consequently, the government has directed the setting up of an investigative committee, comprising Muslim scholars, leaders and government officials, to look into the issue while the head of the Arabic school, who admitted to directing the punishment, has been asked to step aside pending the conclusion of the investigation.

“The government has also taken the affected students to a public hospital for proper medical examination and treatment. This is to ensure that none of them suffers any physical or psychological damage.

“The government appeals for calm while the committee does it works and submits a report for further action.

“The government commends the Ganmo Muslim community for the support given to the team.”

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