For allegedly flogging a 19-month-old pupil to death, the Delta state government weekend ordered the immediate closure of Arise and Shine Nursery and Primary School, Asaba Delta State.
The infant Obinna Udeze was reported to have been flogged mercilessly by a teacher identified as Emeka Nwogbo and her son, last Monday February 7, 2022, leaving several red marks of cane on his body.
Little Udeze later died at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba on Saturday, February 12, as a result of the injuries sustained from the severe whipping over a minor misdemeanor.
The Delta State Commissioner for Primary Education, Chika Ossai confirmed that the school has been shutdown following the incident, noting that the state government seriously frowned at the incident and will follow it to the end in order to serve as a deterrence to school operators.
Ossai said: “Yes, this morning (Sunday), the government swung into action and sealed the school off for now. It is not an approved school.
“The proprietress and the son are in police custody. The state government is very serious about the incident and will follow it to the end to make sure that those who are operating illegal schools will be dealt with properly.
“It is easier to monitor registered schools but for those illegal ones, we will continue to close them down.”
The commissioner cautioned proprietors of school to be mindful of the manner pupils are handled in their schools.