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Schools And Mass Anxiety Hysteria In Central Nigeria

Published

2 years ago

March 2, 2021

NewTimes

Africans, Apologize To Family Members For Witchcraft Accusations, Witch Persecution. - AfAW

By Leo Igwe

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AFAW) is deeply concerned about the closure of a school over supposed ‘spiritual attacks’ in Benue in Central Nigeria. Such a measure is a dark precedent that is incompatible with the values of education, research, critical reasoning, and inquiry, which schools represent- or should embody. The report says that ten students experienced some ‘spiritual attack’ at a secondary school in Markurdi Benue, and school authorities had to shut down the school. From the report, the school did not invite a medical officer or a psychologist to examine the students and assess their health situation. The school did not take any medical or scientific measures to address this development.

A school teacher called it, “Iyor genen” a Tiv expression for hysteria. The teacher told a journalist that, “the pupils experienced a seizure and complained of chest pain, “from there, they will fall, and some others would be running around”. Unfortunately, the school authorities gave a spiritual interpretation to what is a medical condition- mass anxiety hysteria. These are episodes of acute anxiety that predominately feature among schoolchildren. Teachers and educational authorities should know this. Shouldn’t they? To regard this incident as a ‘spiritual attack’ implies it is beyond science and common sense. It suggests that a scientific explanation is insufficient or unsatisfactory.

As an AFAW contact person in Benue State rightly noted ” Attributing a medical condition to spiritual attack amounts to discouraging inquiry. A good teacher ought to promote inquiry. A teacher or an educational institution that claims that a medical problem has a spiritual origin blunts the minds of young students. And this is tragic”. According to this advocate: “This is why we need to adopt the teaching of critical thinking for both students and teachers.”

The incident at the junior secondary school in Markudi has demonstrated the worrisome state of science education and learning in the country. There is no evidence that this case of mass hysteria has some links to the spirits, demons or witches as many suppose. Instead, what happened at the junior secondary school was an opportunity to educate the students, and provide a scientific explanation and evidence-based management of mass anxiety hysteria. The school missed an opportunity to enlighten and promote science. AFAW urges all schools to abandon superstitions and encourage scientific and critical thinking among students.

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BREAKING: Abacha’s Ex-chief Of Staff Oladipo Diya Dies

Published

12 hours ago

March 26, 2023

NewTimes

Diya

Retired Lt.General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya, the former Chief of Staff in General Sani Abacha’s military government, is dead.

His death was confirmed by Prince Oyesinmilola Diya. He said the former military administrator of Ogun State passed on to glory in the early hours of 26th March 2023.

Born on the 3rd of April, 1944, Diya was military Governor of Ogun State after the Buhari-Idiagbon coup of December 31st, 1983.

Diya joined the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna and fought during the Nigerian Civil War.

He later attended the US Army School of Infantry, the Command and Staff College, Jaji (1980–1981) and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.

While serving in the military, Diya studied law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained an LLB degree, and then at the Nigerian Law School, where he was called to bar as Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

He held other top military posts like GOC, 82 Division and finally the Chief of General Staff (military Vice President) to Gen Sani Abacha

The statement read: “On behalf of the entire Diya family home and abroad; we announce the passing on to Glory of our dear Husband,Father, Grandfather,brother, Lt- General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (Rtd) GCON, LLB, BL, PSC, FSS, mni.

“Our dear Daddy passed onto glory in the early hours of 26th March 2023. Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise in this period. Further announcements will be made public in due course.

“Barrister Prince Oyesinmilola Diya, on behalf of the family.”

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Breaking: Appeal Court Retains Adeleke As Osun Governor

Published

2 days ago

March 24, 2023

NewTimes

BREAKING: Adeleke Freezes Osun Accounts , Reverses Appointments After Swearing In As Governor

Governor Adeleke

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has vacated the tribunal judgement that nullified the election of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

The appellate court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel of Justices, on Friday held that the appeal Adeleke lodged to challenge his sack by the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, was meritorious.

Aside from setting aside the judgement of the tribunal, the court, in its lead judgement that was delivered by Justice Mohammed Lawal, awarded N500, 000 cost against the All Progressive Congress, APC, and its candidate, Gboyega Oyetola

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BREAKING: PDP Suspends Anyim, Fayose

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2023

NewTimes

Anyim and Fayose

Former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose; former president of the Senate, Pius Anyim; Prof Dennis Ityavyar and Aslam Aliyu were on Thursday suspended from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

The PDP made the suspension on Thursday after an extensive review of the affairs of the party, pursuant to the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

The PDP also referred the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, to the National Disciplinary Committee over his reported involvement in anti-party activities.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.

“The PDP urges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our party across the country to remain united and focused at this critical time,” the statement added.