The Rivers State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Wisdom Gate International School, located in Eligbolo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, following the death of a two-year-old pupil.
The child, identified as Wynne Akekue, reportedly died after a bookshelf fell on her while she was asleep in her classroom on March 17, 2026.
The incident has since raised serious concerns about safety standards in the school.
Parents of the deceased, Dr. Iasuaka Akekue and Mrs. Chinyerum Akekue, had earlier accused the school management of concealing details surrounding the circumstances of their daughter’s death.
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They demanded a thorough investigation and justice for their child during a press briefing in Port Harcourt.
However, the school management denied the allegations, stating that it had been transparent and was cooperating with relevant authorities, including the police, in the ongoing investigation.
Announcing the government’s decision, the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Peters Nwagor, said the closure followed an independent assessment carried out by the Ministry of Education.
He explained that the school would remain shut until all issues relating to the incident are fully resolved, stressing that the safety of pupils remains a top priority for the state government.
Nwagor also expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and urged the public to refrain from speculation while investigations continue.
The development highlights the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in schools to prevent similar tragic occurrences.
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