The chief whip of the Senate, Orji Kalu, says killers of a 12-year-old student, Sylvester Oromoni (Jnr) of Dowen College, must be arrested and prosecuted.

“I received with shock the devastating news of the death of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni (Jnr) of Dowen College, Lagos, who was reportedly bullied and tortured by his colleagues in school,” stated Mr Orji. “The sad incident must be properly investigated by the government in a bid to bring perpetrators of the act to book and also to forestall recurrence.”

Mr Kalu, in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, described the events leading to his death as wicked, unacceptable and condemnable.

The former governor of Abia commended the Lagos government for shutting down the school for a full-scale investigation on the incident.

Mr Kalu, while commiserating with the Oromoni family, prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

He, however, urged the government, school authorities and stakeholders in the education sector to map out strategies to fight cultism and other vices in schools.

He added that he was “deeply pained that secondary school students have started embracing” cultism and other social vices.

“We must not accept the unruly behaviour in our schools, communities and society at large. All hands must be on deck to ensure proper counselling of children, wards and loved ones,” Mr Orji added. “In their prime, students must be sensitised on the imperative of good moral conduct by their biological and foster parents and guardians.”

The ex-Abia governor prayed to God to give the deceased’s parents the fortitude to bear the loss. 

(NAN)