The Lagos State Government (LASG) has launched an investigation into the sudden death of a two-year-old pupil from Smiley Kids Montessori School, Sangotedo, Lagos Island, whose identity remains undisclosed.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, January 15.
The devastating news was shared on social media by the grieving mother through her X handle, Ellla@AbiaPrincess_X.
The heartbroken mother is demanding answers regarding her child’s death, which has been attributed to drowning in the school’s swimming pool.
She stated that her daughter, a student at Smiley Kids Montessori in Sangotedo, went to school in good health but returned dead.
Electrocution or drowning?
The grieving mother claimed that she was initially told her daughter had drowned. However, she now alleges that her child was electrocuted, and that her body was placed in the pool to make it appear as though she had drowned.
She shared an image of the pool, showing a tall barricade meant to keep children away, and questioned how a two-year-old could have climbed over it.
She has called on the Lagos State Government to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
“Smiley School International, Sangotedo, Lagos Island, please, bring her back. We cannot bear this alone.
“Please, if you have your child in that school beware. They lied they are closed due to maintenance. I lost my Pinky Ella,” the bereaved mother shared on her X handle with picture of her daughter, now decreased.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs.Titilayo Adeniyi-Vivour, expressed government’s readiness to begin immediate probe into the unfortunate incident with a view to establish the immediate or remote cause of the death, as well as ensure Justice.
“My Goodness. First off, we are so sorry for your loss and thank you for bringing this situation to our notice. Please send us a DM as soon as you can,” she stated on @Lagosdsva X handle.
On efforts deployed so far by the state government to ensure justice for the family, Adeniyi-Vivour said: “The Lagos State Task Force on Safeguarding and Child Protection, which comprises top level representatives of the relevant Ministries, Agencies and Departments, MDAs, including Office of Education Quality Assurance, DSVA, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Lagos State Safety Commission, is visiting the school today on a fact find mission.
“Similarly, we have since been in touch with the Police (Ogombo) and we are going to State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, to support with the criminal investigation of the case and possible prosecution.”