Edo governor kicks as 12-year-old pupil drowned on way to exam centre

A 12-year-old boy, Nathan Spencer, has lost his life after being swept away by floodwaters while on his way to sit the Middle Basic Assessment Examination in Benin City, Edo State.
The incident occurred on Saturday along the Uselu-Ugbowo road during a downpour that left several parts of the city flooded.
Spencer, a pupil of Future Leaders Academy in Benin City, was reportedly heading to Liberty Secondary School in Uselu, Benin City, his designated examination centre for the First School Leaving Certificate Examination.
Eyewitnesses said the floodwaters submerged parts of the road, creating hazardous conditions for commuters and pedestrians.
A viral video circulating online after the flooding showed a man carrying the lifeless body of the pupil on his shoulders, with bystanders urging him to rush the boy to the nearest hospital.
Several onlookers could also be heard criticising the boy’s parents for allowing him to make the trip to the examination centre unaccompanied.
This incident sparked renewed concerns about the state’s flood preparedness and the safety of schoolchildren, especially during the rainy season.
Meanwhile, the Edo State government said it had withdrawn operating licences of two schools over the incident.
The state Commissioner of Education, Paddy Iyamu, disclosed this on Tuesday when he paid a condolence visit to the parents of the deceased.
Mr Iyamu asserted that the headteacher of one of the two schools had also been arrested in connection with the unfortunate incident.
The commissioner expressed the government’s displeasure over the incident, saying Governor Monday Okpebholo was deeply touched by the death and directed an immediate visit.
He said, “The state government will ensure that those responsible for the pupil’s death are held accountable. The principal is in police detention.’’.
Mr Iyamu, however, advised parents and guardians to monitor their kids and wards closely and not leave them in the hands of hustlers in the disguise of school owners.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Africa
20 children killed in school bus crash in Uganda
A school bus carrying pupils veered off the road in eastern Uganda on Thursday, killing 20 schoolchildren and a teacher in Kapchorwa district.

Diaspora
Beyond Nollywood: List of Nigerian actors who light up Hollywood
Nigerian actors and actresses, whether born in the diaspora or raised abroad, have become household names in Hollywood.

Anti-Corruption
How Nigerians Anthony Ikenwe, Kevin Nwamma pulled off multimillion-pound crypto heist in UK, end in jail
Messrs Ikenwe, Nwamma and one other crook were living lavish lifestyles, buying cars, designer clothes, and Rolexes, and going on numerous luxury holidays.

Education
UNICEF praises Nigerian government for rescuing kidnapped Oriire schoolchildren
UNICEF has commended the Nigerian government for rescuing 39 abducted schoolchildren and five teachers in Oyo state.

States
Yobe governor to spend N73 billion on agric empowerment, other projects
The Yobe government has approved N73.3 billion for various projects and services in the state.

Showbiz
Five things Nigerians need to know about FG’s FreeTV
The federal government has launched FreeTV, a subscription-free digital television platform designed to expand access to television services for millions of Nigerians.





