In a heart-wrenching incident at the Nigeria Police Academy in Wudil, Kano State, a promising A100-level police cadet named A.S. Jika, hailing from Adamawa State and studying Computer Science, tragically lost his life on a Saturday morning. What makes this story even more distressing is the alleged reasons behind this unfortunate demise: starvation and neglect.
Cadets have come forward to voice their concerns, pointing fingers at the Commandant, Assistant Inspector-General Sadiq Abubakar, accusing him of high-handedness and financial mismanagement related to the cadets’ essential feeding allowances. They claim that this gross mismanagement of funds has resulted in a situation where cadets are continuously subjected to starvation and malnutrition.
One anonymous cadet revealed that Jika collapsed inside a restroom, and despite the urgency of the situation, the academy’s clinic was unable to provide the necessary medical attention. The reason? A lack of medication and medical personnel in an already unsuitable environment. Tragically, Jika’s life slipped away without receiving the help he so desperately needed.
Another cadet, also preferring anonymity, shed light on the grim reality faced by cadets at the academy. They described a daily influx of sickly cadets at an ill-equipped clinic, attributing the high number of health issues to inadequate food provisions. Cadets often collapse due to exhaustion, either from starvation, malnutrition, or a combination of both. Furthermore, allegations arose that the commandant ordered the closure of essential facilities such as the market and laundry, in addition to enforcing unnecessary training exercises during lecture hours.
The situation is dire, with cadets fearing expulsion if they fall ill. Many are forced to endure these harsh conditions silently, pushing their limits to avoid being dismissed from the academy.
Meanwhile, academy staff members have also raised concerns about the monthly feeding allowance. Insider sources have claimed that a portion of these funds finds its way into the pockets of certain high-ranking officials, diverting resources that should be dedicated to the welfare of cadets.
Efforts to reach the Commandant, AIG Abubakar, for comment have been met with silence, leaving many questions unanswered in the wake of this tragic incident.
This heartbreaking incident not only serves as a wake-up call but also highlights the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and reform within the Nigeria Police Academy. The lives and futures of young cadets hang in the balance, and it is imperative that their well-being is safeguarded to ensure a brighter tomorrow for all.