Investigations by the Nigeria Tribune revealed that the students were reportedly died after eating biscuits shared by one of them, who celebrated her birthday in the school, on Tuesday.
While confirming the incident in a statement endorsed by the Assistant Director of Information, Education Secretariat of the FCTA, Anthony Ogunleye, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja, the FCT administration said only three pupils lost their lives while two others were hospitalised from the school in circumstances that were still under investigation from relevant authorities including the Nigerian Police Force and the Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCT.
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The statement announced the closure of the school for the rest of the week to enable investigating authorities to carry out a thorough assignment.
When the Nigerian Tribune visited the school premises, on Wednesday morning, parents were seen withdrawing their wards, while witnesses said that a primary five student whose name was yet to be ascertained as of the time of filling this report celebrated her birthday, on Tuesday, with her classmates.
While also confirming the report, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Kubwa General Hospital, Dr Lasisi Akinola, said only two pupils died and two others were now in stable condition.
Dr Lasisi, however, said that their condition was not related to the alleged food poisoning, saying the pupils were sick, and not as a result of the said food poisoning.
The unconfirmed report, however, added that the police had arrested three female teachers who assisted in sharing the biscuits.
The statement signed by the Assistant Director of Information, Education Secretariat of the FCTA, Ogunleye, further said: “The attention of the Education Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration has been drawn to both media and public speculations that a number of pupils from the LEA Primary School Kubwa 2 (located in Kubwa village) lost their lives today, 21st February 2018.
“We regret to confirm that three pupils indeed lost their lives and two others hospitalized from that school in circumstances that are still under investigation from relevant authorities including the Nigerian Police Force and the Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCT
“However, it is essential in the interest of concerned parents and the public to state that the school is a non-boarding primary school with no provision for any form of government school feeding programme; it was reported that some pupils consumed biscuits purchased outside the school premises and consumed after school hours which might have adversely affected their health.
“Until investigations are complete, the cause/causes of the children’s deaths remain speculative. So far, there has been no evidence of deliberate foul play, but investigations are on-going. Parents are advised to remain calm and be assured of the safety of their children in all FCT schools. The public will be kept up-to-date on the progress of the investigation from the relevant authorities.
“The Secretary for Education, Senator Isa Maina commiserates with the families of the pupils in this difficult time as his prayers and thoughts are with them,” the statement added.
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