​154 Katsina Students Hospitalised Following Suspected Drug Reaction

One hundred and fifty-four students of Government Science Secondary School, Batagarawa, in Katsina State, were hospitalised following a suspected adverse reaction to medication administered on campus.
​The incident occurred on Monday after school authorities administered praziquantel tablets—a medication standardly used to treat schistosomiasis, commonly known as bilharzia, a parasitic disease linked to contaminated freshwater exposure.
​The Katsina State Police Command confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu.
​All Affected Students Treated and Discharged
​According to the police spokesman, the affected students developed adverse reactions shortly after taking the tablets and were rushed to a nearby medical facility for emergency care.
​Aliyu confirmed that no fatalities were recorded during the incident.
​He stated that the final group of 25 students held for extended observation has been fully treated and discharged, confirming that all 154 students are in good health and have been safely reunited with their families and peers.
​Police Appeal for Calm Amid Rumours
​Addressing the public following the incident, Katsina State Commissioner of Police Ali Umar Fage commended residents and parents for maintaining calm and cooperating with health officials and security agencies.
​Fage cautioned against the spread of unverified reports and misinformation, reassuring residents that the police command remains dedicated to ensuring public safety and maintaining order across the state.