The Lagos State Government has launched an investigation into the tragic death of a two-year-old pupil from Smiley Kids Montessori School in Sangotedo, Lagos Island. The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 15.
The heartbreaking news was shared by the grieving mother on her X account, Ellla@AbiaPrincess_X.
She expressed her anguish and demanded answers regarding her child’s death, which was initially believed to be a drowning incident in the school’s swimming pool.
The mother stated that her daughter, a student at Smiley Kids Montessori, left for school in good health but returned dead. While she was informed that the child drowned, she suspects her daughter may have been electrocuted, and the body was placed in the pool to make it appear as if she had drowned.
The mother posted a photo of the swimming pool, which had a high barricade meant to prevent children from accessing the area, 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.
“Smiley School International, Sangotedo, Lagos Island, please bring her back. We cannot bear this alone,” the grieving mother wrote. “Please, if you have your child in that school, beware. They lied they were closed for maintenance. I lost my Pinky Ella.”
In response, Mrs. Titilayo Adeniyi-Vivour, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), expressed condolences and assured the public that the government is committed to investigating the incident thoroughly to determine the cause of death and seek justice for the family.
“My deepest condolences for your loss, and thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. Please send us a direct message as soon as you can,” she wrote on the DSVA’s X account.
Adeniyi-Vivour further revealed that the Lagos State Task Force on Safeguarding and Child Protection, which includes representatives from various ministries and agencies, is visiting the school for a fact-finding mission.
The government has also been in contact with the Police at Ogombo and the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti to support the criminal investigation and ensure proper legal action is taken.