Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari condemned “House of Torture” school, which came to public attention the end of September. Abhorrent child abuse at Ahmad Bn Hambal Islamiyya School in Rigasa, Kaduna State, is under police investigation. (Image: illustration).

Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to President on Media and Publicity, issued a  statement, claiming that free and compulsory education is the panacea to such a danger.

Nearly 500 men and boys were rescued from the building in Kaduna State which was being used as an Islamic school and correctional facility, where, according to police, many detainees were found in chains, some of them had been tortured and sexually. Seven people, including some staff members, have been arrested. The government says it will investigate other institutions, claiming to provide Islmaic studies.

“They used car engine belts and electrical cables to flog us,” 15-year-old Suleiman said , staring at the floor. “Teachers used to sexually harass us … They tried to loosen my pants once but I fought them off and was beaten.”

Some parents paid fees, believing it was an Islamic school. Some even described it in a positive way and dismissed talk of abuse. Others saw it as a correctional facility. Police and regional officials said it was not registered as either.

The Governor of Kaduna State reiterated his strong commitment to fix public education and raise the standard of public schools so that private education will become only a luxury.