By Deborah Nnamdi
Fear and tension have gripped the Federal Government College in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State following the death of a 12-year-old Junior Secondary School student, Ufokobong Edwin Godwin, who was allegedly bullied by a senior student.
The incident, which reportedly began before the Easter break, came to light on Wednesday, with sources alleging that the victim sustained a severe neck injury after being assaulted for refusing to share his provisions during terminal examinations.
A student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the altercation started when a Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) student demanded food items from the deceased, who declined, insisting he had limited supplies.
According to the source, the senior student allegedly struck Godwin on the neck, causing him to lose consciousness. Although he later regained consciousness after being taken to a hospital, he was reportedly returned to school and subsequently allowed to travel home for the Easter holiday without his parents being informed of the incident.
The source further alleged that the victim fainted multiple times following repeated blows to the neck before other students alerted school authorities. He was then taken to a hospital for treatment.
At home, the boy reportedly began experiencing severe neck pain, which initially appeared minor to his parents. However, his condition worsened, prompting his father to rush him to a hospital, where he died in the early hours of Easter Sunday.
Medical findings later indicated that the death was linked to complications arising from blood clots around the neck area.
When contacted, the Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said she had not yet been briefed on the matter but promised to verify the incident. She had yet to provide an update as of the time of filing this report.
The school principal, Jude Ezeogu, confirmed the incident, describing it as tragic and noting that the school community was in mourning. He said the school management committee would meet to review the circumstances surrounding the death and communicate its findings.
Meanwhile, the deceased’s family has called on the Federal Government to launch a full investigation into the incident. The father, who expressed deep grief, urged authorities to ensure justice is served, stating that he would speak further at an appropriate time.
The development has added to growing concerns over bullying in Nigerian schools, with stakeholders calling for stricter measures to protect students and prevent similar tragedies.
