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For the positive integer $k$ in the nilpotence condition, diagonalize $B=P\Lambda P^{-1}$. ThenEvery diagonal entry must vanish, so each ${\lambda }_j=0$. Consequently $\Lambda =0$ and $\boxed{B=0}$. This proves that a diagonalizable nilpotent matrix is zero.

Without diagonalizability a counterexample isIts only eigenvalue is zero but its kernel has dimension one, so it cannot have a basis of eigenvectors. It is the simplest nontrivial nilpotent Jordan block.