By Cynthia Talatu Batuta
The tragic story of Dorathy Yohanna remains one of the most heart-rending experiences in the history of our school community. A bright and promising student, Dorathy’s life was cut short when she took her own life by ingesting Gramazol, a strong herbicide.
In the desperate attempt to save her, she was rushed from the General Hospital, Kachia, where sadly there was no doctor available to attend to her. From there, she was taken to Royal Hospital, which also could not manage the situation and referred her to the National Ear Care Centre Kaduna.
By that time, her throat and tongue had been severely damaged, and she was placed on oxygen before being rushed to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital. The doctors there, too, lacked the necessary facilities to handle the extent of damage, as the scan had shown that her lungs were badly affected.
Finally, she was taken to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, where medical personnel made a final effort to revive her and prepared her for transfer to Shikka. Sadly, before dawn, Dorathy gave up the ghost.
Dorathy was the second student within a few years to take her own life, the recent one survived — each case deeply connected to broken homes, parental neglect, unforgiveness, and emotional pain. Despite the school’s many proactive efforts — including seminars, Year Group Assemblies, Gender Assemblies, and the Principal’s Wednesday Audience, as well as sessions led by counselors and invited experts — the battle against depression, loneliness, and despair among teenagers remains ongoing and urgent.
Dorathy’s death is more than a story of personal tragedy; it is a wake-up call to us all — parents, teachers, religious leaders, and the wider community — to pay closer attention to the emotional and spiritual well-being of our children. Beyond academic success, young people need listening ears, peaceful homes, forgiveness, and love that assures them they are not alone.
To parents and guardians: please, do not let work, conflict, or separation rob your children of your presence and affection. The wounds of misunderstanding and bitterness between adults often bleed through the hearts of children who cannot bear them. Reconcile, forgive, and rebuild — for the sake of those watching and learning from you.
To our teenagers and students: remember that no mistake, shame, or rejection is worth your life. Speak out. Seek help. You are loved, you are valuable, and your story is not over. Life may bring pain, but it also brings healing, hope, and second chances.
Let this story not end in sorrow but in renewed compassion and collective action — that every child in our care may grow in faith, confidence, and the courage to live.
May the soul of Dorathy Yohanna rest in the peace of Christ, and may her memory inspire change and deeper love among us all. Amen.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Bamaiyi Shawuya