Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
IKOT EKPENE, Akwa Ibom State — A family in Akwa Ibom State has called for a full and transparent investigation into the death of their 12‑year‑old son, a Junior Secondary School One pupil of Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene, claiming that severe bullying by a senior student contributed to the boy’s tragic death. The incident has sparked concern among parents, students, and community members about student safety and discipline in the boarding school.
The boy, identified as Ufokobong Edwin Godwin, died in the early hours of Easter Sunday, April 5, after suffering complications from a neck injury that his family and classmates say resulted from an altercation with a Senior Secondary Three student in the school hostel shortly before the Easter break. According to accounts from classmates, the senior student allegedly demanded the younger pupil’s provisions — food or personal items — and when the boy declined, he was struck on the neck.
Fellow students reported that the blow caused Ufokobong to collapse and lose consciousness, prompting other pupils to raise the alarm. School staff responded and the boy was rushed to a hospital, where he regained consciousness and was later returned to the school. The parents were not informed of the incident and collected their son for the holiday unaware of the injury.
Once at home, Ufokobong complained of severe neck and throat pain. Believing the injury to be minor, his parents initially administered over‑the‑counter medication. His condition worsened rapidly, and he was rushed again to a medical facility, where he was pronounced dead at around 1:00 a.m. on April 5 from complications linked to the neck injury. The exact medical cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
The boy’s father, visibly grieving, has appealed for federal government intervention and a thorough inquiry into the circumstances that led to his son’s death. Family members have said they will pursue all lawful avenues to ensure accountability.
The case has renewed concerns about bullying and student safety in boarding schools, particularly in federal unity colleges. Parents and students have recounted incidents of persistent bullying, extortion, and rough treatment of juniors by senior students, with school management sometimes slow to address such issues.
Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene, established in 1973, has not yet issued a comprehensive public statement on the specifics of the incident. A school administrator indicated that investigations are ongoing and official responses would follow after consultations with the School-Based Management Committee.
Education observers have highlighted the sensitive nature of hostel discipline, where hierarchical relationships between senior and junior students can go unchecked. Unchecked bullying can escalate into violence with serious consequences. The family has urged fellow parents to be vigilant and demand accountability from schools. Plans for a formal legal complaint and calls for systemic reform in bullying prevention are reportedly underway.
As investigations continue, local and national education authorities are expected to monitor developments closely to ensure justice and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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