Anger and anxiety have gripped parents of students at Federal Government College Ikot Ekpene following the tragic death of a Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS2) student, Ufokobong Edwin Godwin, allegedly after a violent bullying incident.
The incident, said to have occurred in the school’s hostel before the Easter break, involved a Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) student who reportedly assaulted the 12-year-old over a dispute involving food provisions. According to accounts from fellow students, the deceased had refused to share his provisions, leading to a confrontation.
A student who witnessed the incident said the senior allegedly attacked Ufokobong, repeatedly striking him on the neck until he collapsed multiple times.
He was later rushed to a hospital by school authorities, where he regained consciousness before being returned to school.
Despite the severity of the incident, parents claim the school failed to inform the boy’s family about what had transpired.
He was subsequently taken home at the end of the term without any disclosure from the school or proper medical follow-up.
While at home, the boy reportedly began complaining of severe neck pain, which worsened over the days.
His condition deteriorated, prompting his father to seek medical attention.
Sadly, he died in the early hours of Easter Sunday. Medical reports later indicated that his death was linked to complications arising from blood clots in the neck and throat region.
The development has sparked outrage among parents, who accuse the school management and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of negligence and a pattern of covering up bullying incidents.
Several parents alleged that cases of violence and intimidation within the school have been ongoing but largely ignored. One parent recounted a previous incident in which a senior student allegedly struck a junior with a pressing iron, leaving the victim hospitalized for over a month at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
Other disturbing claims include reports of abuse in the girls’ hostel, where students were allegedly subjected to extreme punishments by their seniors.
In one instance, a junior student was reportedly locked inside a bag and left struggling to breathe.
Parents also criticized the PTA leadership, accusing it of focusing on internal politics and financial matters rather than student welfare and safety.
Amid the growing tension as students prepare to resume for the new term, the bereaved family has called on the Federal Government to launch a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding their son’s death.
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The grieving father, visibly shaken by the loss, urged authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“I cannot speak much right now, but I call on the Federal Government to intervene and ensure justice is served,” he said.
The incident has intensified calls for urgent reforms to address bullying and strengthen student protection measures in Nigerian boarding schools.
