Tension gripped Araromi Ilogbo Secondary School in Oko Afo, Lagos, as pupils took to the streets in protest following the alleged death of one of their peers who was reportedly flogged by a teacher. The deceased, identified as David Babadipo, was said to have succumbed to injuries inflicted during the disciplinary action.
According to reports, the incident unfolded on Thursday when the 16-year-old student was allegedly subjected to corporal punishment by a teacher identified as Oluwale. Sources revealed that Babadipo, who had been unwell for several days, was rushed to a hospital after the flogging, where he was pronounced dead.
A video circulating online captured scenes of chaos within the school premises and its vicinity as panicked students ran in all directions. A voiceover in the video recounted the events leading to Babadipo’s demise, attributing it to the alleged flogging by a teacher.
While reactions poured in on social media, with some users condemning the teacher’s actions and predicting dire consequences, others offered conflicting narratives. Esther Wusu, a Facebook user, disputed claims of the fatal flogging, stating that the named teacher, Mr. Oluwale, was the school’s vice principal and did not engage in corporal punishment. Wusu asserted that Babadipo had been unwell since Tuesday, and his condition worsened on Thursday, leading to his demise.
However, Bangose Jide, another Facebook user, reiterated the allegation of fatal corporal punishment, identifying Mr. Olawale as the vice principal responsible for the incident. Jide stated that the matter had been reported to the Morogbo Police Station along the Badagry Expressway.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the authorities and the school administration proved futile. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, had not responded to inquiries about the incident at the time of filing this report. Similarly, attempts to reach the school via phone calls were unsuccessful, and a text message sent by our correspondent remained unanswered.
As investigations into the tragic incident continue, the community remains engulfed in shock and grief over the untimely demise of Babadipo, highlighting the urgent need for clarity and accountability in the education system regarding disciplinary measures and student welfare.