Outrage as Pupil Dies in Rivers School, Family Alleges Cover-Up
The death of two-year-old Winnie Akakue at Wisdom Gate International School, Eligbolo in Rivers State, has triggered widespread outrage, with her family demanding justice and alleging attempts to suppress the truth.
The tragic incident, which occurred on March 17, 2026, has also raised concerns about the handling of the case by authorities, with the family accusing the police of conducting a biased investigation.
### Father Raises Concerns Over Incident
Winnie’s father, Dr. Iasuaka Akakue, said the school initially informed them that the child had been asleep in class when a bookshelf reportedly fell on her.
According to him, a preliminary briefing from the pathologist indicated that the toddler suffered a fractured skull. He also expressed concern that the family was only notified after the school had already taken the child to two different medical facilities.
At the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, doctors reportedly confirmed that the child was brought in dead.
Dr. Akakue further alleged that the scene of the incident was tampered with, claiming the bookshelf was moved and the area cleaned before any independent examination could take place.
He also accused certain individuals of attempting to pressure the family into a quick burial and an out-of-court settlement.
“We just want justice for our daughter and to understand exactly what happened,” he said, adding that the family feels unsafe and dissatisfied with the direction of the investigation.
### Dispute Over Autopsy and Police Handling
The father challenged claims by the police that the family failed to request the autopsy report, stating that they were told they would be contacted once it was ready.
He expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of transparency, alleging that authorities appeared more focused on resolving the matter quickly rather than conducting a thorough investigation.
The family has indicated plans to pursue legal action.
### Mother Recounts Emotional Ordeal
Winnie’s mother, Mrs. Chinyere Akakue, described receiving conflicting information from the school. She said she was initially told her daughter was alive, only to arrive and find her unresponsive.
“When I saw her, she was already cold,” she said, recounting the traumatic experience.
She also spoke about the emotional toll on the family, noting the difficulty of coping with the loss and explaining the situation to Winnie’s siblings.
### Calls for Accountability
Legal practitioner and activist Chetam Nwala has called for the temporary closure of the school pending a full investigation, urging authorities to ensure transparency and accountability.
### School Reacts
Management of Wisdom Gate International School expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
The school stated that immediate medical assistance was provided and that the incident was promptly reported to relevant authorities. It added that it is cooperating fully with ongoing investigations and has initiated internal reviews to strengthen safety measures.
### Government Orders Closure
In response, the Rivers State Government ordered the immediate closure of the school.
The Ministry of Education said the decision followed an independent review of the circumstances surrounding the incident and assured that the school would remain shut until all concerns are addressed.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing strict safety standards across schools in the state.
### Appeals for Reopening
Despite the closure, the school management and some parents have appealed for a reconsideration, citing the disruption to academic activities and the impact on families.
The school’s proprietress, Toyon Obikoya, acknowledged the government’s decision but pleaded for leniency, noting that the shutdown has affected pupils and parents alike.
Some parents also expressed concern over the emotional and financial strain caused by the closure, while still sympathizing with the grieving family.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to allow investigations to run their course.
