Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Rivers State Government has ordered the suspension of Wisdom Gate International School in Eligbolo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, following the death of a two-year-old pupil in a classroom incident that has sparked public concern and calls for accountability in school safety standards.
The decision was announced by the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, after what the ministry described as an independent assessment of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The suspension means the school will remain closed indefinitely until investigations are concluded and all issues relating to the incident are fully addressed.
The victim, identified as Wynne Akekue, reportedly died on March 17, 2026, after a bookshelf fell on her while she was asleep in her classroom. She was rushed for medical attention following the incident but later succumbed to complications arising from her injuries.
The incident has drawn significant attention in Rivers State, particularly after the child’s parents, Dr Iasuaka Akekue and Mrs Chinyerum Akekue, publicly demanded a full investigation and accused the school management of failing to provide immediate and transparent information about the circumstances of their daughter’s death. The parents also called for justice, insisting that critical details surrounding the incident were not promptly disclosed to them.
The school, however, has denied allegations of concealment, stating that it has been cooperating with relevant authorities, including law enforcement agencies, since the incident occurred. It maintained that it is committed to assisting investigations and ensuring that the facts are properly established.
According to the Ministry of Education, the decision to suspend the institution followed consultations with school officials and a review of initial findings gathered during its inquiry. Authorities said the move was necessary to ensure accountability and to safeguard standards in both public and private educational institutions across the state.
In an official statement, Dr Nwagor expressed sympathy to the bereaved family, describing the incident as a deeply unfortunate tragedy. He also appealed for restraint from the public, urging citizens to avoid speculation while investigations continue. He emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring safe learning environments for children and enforcing compliance with safety regulations in schools.
The ministry further explained that its action was part of broader efforts to enforce quality assurance in the education sector, particularly in relation to child safety and infrastructure standards. Officials indicated that the school will remain closed until all regulatory concerns and investigative processes are concluded.
The case has raised wider concerns about safety practices in early childhood education settings, especially regarding classroom furniture, supervision, and emergency response protocols. Education stakeholders have called for stricter enforcement of safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Child safety advocates have also urged state authorities to carry out comprehensive inspections of private schools to ensure compliance with basic structural and operational standards. They argue that incidents involving young children require heightened preventive measures due to their vulnerability.
While investigations continue, attention remains focused on the circumstances that allowed such a fatal accident to occur inside a classroom setting. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any individuals may face disciplinary or legal consequences, pending the outcome of ongoing inquiries.
The Rivers State Government has reiterated that its priority is to establish the full facts of the case, ensure accountability where necessary, and prevent a recurrence of similar tragedies within the education system.
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