Family Cries Foul Over Death of 2-Year-Old Pupil in Lagos School, Demands Probe
The family of Ella, a two-year-old pupil, whose body was found in the swimming pool of Smiley Kids Montessori School in Sangotedo, Lagos, has demanded an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding her tragic death.
Ella was reported dead on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, with the school initially claiming that the child had drowned in the pool. However, the family suspects electrocution to be the real cause of death, alleging that the school may have staged the incident by placing her body in the pool to make it appear as though she drowned.
Allegations and Outcry from the Family
In a heartfelt and emotional plea shared online, Bella, Ella’s mother, detailed her suspicions about the incident, questioning the integrity of the school’s explanation. She raised several concerns, notably the presence of safety barriers around the pool that would make it impossible for a two-year-old to access it independently. The mother’s post has sparked widespread support on social media, with many demanding justice for the child.
Bella wrote:
“Dear Lagos State Government, our daughter, 2 years old, went to school yesterday and did not return alive.
The pool has barricades, how can a child of 2 years climb?
Please help us get justice for our baby. She just celebrated her 2nd birthday in November last year, left home well for school on 15/1/2024 and never came back alive.
How do you have a pool on school premises without proper monitoring?
They lied she drowned in the pool but we have been able to find out it’s electrocution, and they dropped her in the pool to look as if it was drowning.
Now they are lying to other parents that the school is closed because of maintenance instead of telling the truth.”
Investigation and School’s Response
Ella’s mother further alleged that when they visited the school after receiving the call about her daughter’s death, they discovered that an exposed water dispenser was plugged in near the area where the child was found. She believes this to be the possible source of electrocution, further casting doubt on the school’s story.
The mother also questioned the school’s failure to provide CCTV footage, stating, “We demanded CCTV footage, they said it was not possible. A school that collects thousands as school fees.”
The family’s concerns have been echoed by a growing number of concerned citizens, with many calling for the Lagos State Government to step in and ensure a thorough investigation into the incident.
Arrests and Police Action
Following the outcry and family’s allegations, it has been reported that the school proprietor and five staff members have been apprehended and taken to the Ogonbo Police Station in Sangotedo, Ajah. It is understood that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at Panti, Lagos, for further investigation.
Sources have indicated that authorities are taking the matter seriously, with potential criminal investigations underway.
Community Reactions and Public Support
The tragic incident has raised alarm among local parents, some of whom are now questioning the safety measures in place at Smiley Kids Montessori School. Many have expressed concern over the safety of their own children at the institution, given the lack of proper monitoring and accountability in the incident’s aftermath.
Social media users have been vocal in their support for the family, demanding that the school be closed down and that the authorities take swift action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The family’s call for justice has garnered widespread attention, with the public urging the Lagos State Government to ensure that those responsible for the death of Ella are held accountable.
