Parents of a two-year-old girl have called for justice following the tragic death of their daughter at Wisdom Gate International School in the Eligbolo area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The toddler, identified as Winnie, reportedly died from injuries sustained after a bookshelf fell on her while she was asleep in a classroom on March 17.
Her father, Iasuaka Akekue, who spoke to journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, said he was informed that his daughter was sleeping when the incident occurred. According to him, a verbal report from the pathologist who conducted the autopsy indicated that the child suffered a fractured skull that led to fatal haemorrhage.
Akekue expressed concern that the family was only notified after the school had taken the child to two different hospitals. He also alleged that the scene of the incident was quickly altered, with the bookshelf moved, and claimed that some individuals had been mounting pressure on the family to bury the child and settle the matter.
He further accused the police of not handling the case transparently, alleging that key documents were withheld and that a detained individual connected to the incident had been released. The grieving father said the family’s primary demand is a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
Winnie’s mother, Chinyere Akekue, also recounted receiving conflicting accounts about the incident, noting that she was initially led to believe her daughter was still alive. She described the emotional toll of the loss on the family, particularly on the child’s siblings, and alleged that there had been attempts from various quarters to pressure them into quietly resolving the matter.
She said the family only learned at the hospital that a bookshelf had fallen on the child, adding that earlier explanations differed, leaving them confused about what truly happened.
In response, the management of Wisdom Gate International School expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the bereaved family.
The school stated that the child was attended to immediately and taken for urgent medical care but later died. It added that the incident was promptly reported and that it has been cooperating with relevant authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
While acknowledging public concerns, the school assured parents and the community that the safety and well-being of children in its care remain a top priority, noting that it is reviewing and strengthening its safety protocols.
The management maintained that it has not withheld any information from authorities and pledged continued cooperation, while refraining from further public comments due to the ongoing investigation.
