Rivers gov’t shuts school over toddler’s death

The Rivers State Government has suspended Wisdom Gate International School, located in Eligbolo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, over the death of a two-year-old pupil. The toddler, identified as Wynne Akekue, died on March 17 after a bookshelf fell on her while she was asleep in her classroom. The deceased’s parents, Dr Iasuaka Akekue and Mrs […]

The Rivers State Government has suspended Wisdom Gate International School, located in Eligbolo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, over the death of a two-year-old pupil.

The toddler, identified as Wynne Akekue, died on March 17 after a bookshelf fell on her while she was asleep in her classroom.

The deceased’s parents, Dr Iasuaka Akekue and Mrs Chinyerum Akekue, had accused the school management of concealing information surrounding their daughter’s death and demanded justice.

Although the school management denied involvement in the incident and said it was cooperating with relevant authorities, including the police, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, said on Thursday that the suspension became necessary after engagement with the school and an independent investigation.

While condoling the family, the commissioner said the school would remain closed until all issues surrounding the incident are resolved.

He said: “The Rivers State Ministry of Education has carefully evaluated the tragic incident that occurred at one of our approved schools, Wisdom Gate International School, in Eligbolo, resulting in the death of a two-year-old girl on March 17, 2026.

“While we deeply sympathise with the parents over this irreparable loss and respect their privacy at this moment of grief, we appeal to the public to do the same and avoid speculation.

“As a ministry, we have interfaced with the school management and conducted our own independent investigation into the incident.

“Consequently, Wisdom Gate International School, Campus 1, Eligbolo, is hereby suspended from operations and shall not resume academic activities until all issues surrounding the matter are fully resolved.

“The Ministry of Education remains committed to ensuring standard care, safety, and sustainability while continuing to provide quality assurance in both public and private schools,” he said.