Akwa Ibom State is grappling with public outrage following the death of a 12-year-old Junior Secondary School student, Ufokobong Edwin Godwin, of Federal Government College (FGC) Ikot Ekpene.
The boy reportedly died on Easter Sunday after allegedly being assaulted by a senior student in the school hostel.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred before the Easter holiday during the school’s terminal examinations.
A senior student in Senior Secondary three (SS3) reportedly demanded provisions from Ufokobong, who refused, saying he did not have enough to share.
“The senior hit him on the neck, and he went into a coma. Other students raised the alarm, and the compound master rushed him to the hospital,” one student who shared a hostel with the deceased recounted.
“He regained consciousness and was sent back to school, but the parents were not informed of the incident when they picked him up for the Easter break.”
At home, Ufokobong began experiencing severe neck pain. His parents initially treated him with over-the-counter medication, unaware of the seriousness of his injuries.
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When his condition worsened, he was taken to the hospital, where he passed away in the early hours of Easter Sunday.
Medical reports indicate that complications from blood clots around his throat were the cause of death.
Investigations have revealed that bullying has been a recurring problem at FGC Ikot Ekpene.
One parent, speaking anonymously, recalled an incident last year when a senior student hit a junior with a box iron, leaving the victim hospitalized for over a month and costing the school more than N200,000.
Reports also suggest that girls’ hostels have seen similar incidents, with junior students being subjected to severe punishment and torture.
The family of the deceased has called on the federal government to intervene and investigate the circumstances surrounding their son’s death.
Speaking briefly, the boy’s father said, “I cannot talk much now. I am calling on the federal government to intervene so justice can be served.
I will speak further at the appropriate time.”
The tragic death of Ufokobong has reignited concerns about bullying and student safety in Nigerian schools, raising questions about the effectiveness of school management and Parent Teachers Associations in addressing these recurring incidents.
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