The Lagos State government has sympathised with the family of Sylvester Oromoni, a student of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos, who died from injuries he allegedly sustained from the beating by his colleagues that wanted him to join their secret cult group.
The state government also promised to investigate the matter.
The statement read in part: “The Lagos State Government sends its condolences to the parents of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni Jnr., a student of Dowen College, Lekki.
“A delegation comprising top-level management of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies and the Police, has visited the school on a fact-finding mission.
“We reassure the family of the late Sylvester Oromoni Junior and Lagosians at large that efforts are being made to unravel the circumstances leading to his demise, even as we reiterate the Government’s commitment to Child Protection.”
Speaking to Vanguard, an official of the Ministry of Education, who spoke in confidence because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said the government would definitely act on the matter.
“The government will soon come out with its position on the matter. All students in Lagos, whether in private and public schools, are our own and we must take care of their interests.
“As at now some preliminary steps have been taken on the matter and the authorities of the affected school are cooperating by giving the necessary information.
“It is only the parents of the boy who can confirm some of the things that have gone online like the video of when the boy was being treated.
“Whatever it is, be rest assured that the matter is going to be thoroughly investigated,” the source said.
Recalled that a cousin of late Sylvester Oromoni, Perrie, took to social media a few days ago to lament Sylvester’s death.
He said the deceased mentioned some fellow students who beat him up because of his refusal to join a cult group.
The school later came up with a press release denying that such happened in the school
The management said the boy only sustained injuries while playing football with his colleagues and was promptly treated before being handed over to his family.
There are also claims in social media too that some of the boys mentioned by the deceased have been flown abroad by their families.
The family of the deceased is yet to officially comment on the matter.
Recall that in a viral video in circulation, Junion was seen in excruciating pains with his teeth stained with blood.
Junior’s nephew, Perry Oromoni @Perrisonoromoni had alleged on social media the deceased was attacked for refusing to join a “cult group” dominated by older boys in the school.
It stated that one of the school’s hostel officials had informed the management on November 21 that Junior was injured while playing football with his colleagues.
The school stated that Junior was given first aid by a resident nurse and returned to his hostel after he expressed relief but started complaining of pain in his hip the next day and was again attended to by the resident doctor at the school’s sickbay.
The school said the doctor later called the student’s mother to inform her of the situation and also asked her to pick him up for further medical treatment.
“The preliminary investigation showed that there was no fighting, bullying, or any form of attack on the boy.
“He made no such reports, neither to his sister who is also a student or any other students, prefects, house parents, medical staff, or any of the management staff.
“The school has two regular nurses and a qualified medical doctor that promptly attends to students’ medical needs.
“The resident doctor followed the laid down procedure by inviting his mother to take him home for further treatment after initial treatment by the school’s medical staff,” the principal, Mrs Adebisi Layiwola, said in a statement.
The Nation learnt officials of the Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance, had visited the school.
Also, an autopsy is being awaited, and the school has commenced a full investigation into the matter.
The family has also petitioned the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, on Dec. 2.
It was learnt that another petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) will follow on Dec. 6 for a full probe.
The Nation also gathered that the school has been shut down for two days — Friday 3rd and Monday 6th — respectively due to the heightened emotions.
In the mail sent to parents as obtained by The Nation, the management noted that the short break will afford the students opportunity to revise for their forthcoming examinations next week.
