..As School Management Speaks
Scores of Nigerian have begun to sign a petition demanding the prosecution of persons responsible for the death of a 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Sylvester Oromoni.
Sylvester was said to have been assaulted by some of his classmates who wanted to initiate him into a cult group. The 12-year-old, who was bullied, died from the injuries he sustained from the hands of this fellow students.
Since news of the incident, Nigerians, including celebrities and politicians, have joined forces in demanding justice over the gruesome death of Sylvester.
A family member of the deceased, Tim Oromoni, created a petition on internet titled “Justice For Sylvester Oromoni Jnr”.
In a short statement, Timi demanded for a proper investigation into the matter.
The statement reads, “On Tuesday 30/11/2021, we lost our brother 12 years old Sylvester Oromoni Jnr. He was a son, grandson, brother, cousin, uncle to his little nieces, he was a friend , he meant everything to us and Yes, he was only a child, an innocent child.
“He was taken from us from in the most gruesome of manner beaten by senior 5 boys in his hostel in Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos State. He was tortured by these boys in his school and compelled to silence,otherwise they threatened to kill him.
“This torture and beatings led to injuries unimaginable and the school authorities, without proper duty of care, took his agony at face value and claimed he had a fall playing soccer. Without proper investigation or care, they called his parents to pick him up. The family, upon seeing their once healthy vibrant child, knew this pains and injuries were beyond a domestic fall.
“The child could barely articulate words and move without these heart-wrenching painful sounds. Sylvester Jnr reported to the family he did not fall as alleged by the school. He said he was beaten and tortured by 5 senior students and mentioned their names. The students are from influential families and the school is trying to bury the case.
Sign and help us find justice for Sylvester Oromoni Jnr. It’s our fight; he could be your son , your brother, your cousin. #justiceforsylvester”
Checks revealed that 78,164 persons have signed this petition as at press time.
Meanwhile, the board and management of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos, has expressed its commitment to assisting authorities to conduct a thorough and proper investigation over the death of Sylvester.
The school in a statement issued on Sunday expressed their sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased, praying that God would give them the solace to bear the untimely loss.
The statement reads: “Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of one of our beloved students, Sylvester Oromoni Jr.
“He was dearly loved by his teachers, his fellow students and he was a beacon of light for the school.
“The tragic and unfortunate incident which transpired this past November, and Sylvester’s untimely death requires a thorough and proper investigation.
“Dowen College is fully committed to this.We are assisting the authorities to get to the bottom of this heartbreaking incident.
“The first steps taken by the school, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, has been the immediate closure of the school to aid in the investigation.
“Understandably, at this time of intense grief and suffering, emotions are raw and tensions are high.
“We pray that God, who alone knows how to comfort the sorrowing, will comfort Sylvester’s family and all those who love and knew him.
“We commiserate with the Oromoni family and the students of Dowen College who have lost a friend and fellow student.
“This is a traumatic experience. We assure our parents that the school is taking steps to ensure the safety and security of their children and wards.
“This is paramount. Every child is valued at Dowen College and their health and well-being is of the utmost priority to the school.”
