By Milcah Tanimu
A troubling incident unfolded at Government Science Secondary School in Donga, Taraba State, where a teacher and exam officer, Pavalis Yebduya Joshua, was allegedly stabbed by a newly recruited soldier. The incident reportedly began on a Tuesday morning when the soldier, Barau Ishaq, intervened after his younger brother, Ishaq Baraya, was being disciplined by Joshua for arriving late to school.
According to reports from Channels TV, the soldier objected to Joshua’s decision to discipline his brother and insisted that no one should punish him since he had brought him to school. Joshua, however, stood his ground, explaining that discipline was necessary, akin to a checkpoint scenario. This exchange escalated into a heated argument, with Joshua asserting his authority based on seniority and educational standing.
Enraged by the situation, Ishaq left but returned approximately 20 minutes later accompanied by two others—one in military attire and the other in civilian clothes resembling army camouflage. They proceeded to search for Joshua, causing panic among the students who fled the scene.
Upon locating Joshua, Ishaq allegedly attempted to stab him. Despite Joshua’s efforts to evade the knife, he sustained cuts to his palm and fingers in the process. As colleagues and students gathered, Ishaq fled, leaving his associates behind. The school principal promptly reported the incident to the police, who arrived and took Joshua to the station for medical treatment and to obtain statements.
Later, Ishaq returned to the school premises with a team of Special Forces personnel, causing further alarm and injury among the students. Despite assurances to cover medical expenses, no action has been taken thus far.
At the police station, Ishaq reportedly threatened Joshua again in front of officers and witnesses, brandishing a knife and asserting his impunity. Joshua, now seeking justice, has appealed to the state government, police authorities, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army to intervene and address the escalating tensions and threats to his safety.
As of now, neither the Nigerian Army nor the state government has issued an official statement regarding the incident, leaving the community concerned about future repercussions and the safety of both students and staff at the school.
