A wave of grief and outrage has followed the death of a 12-year-old student, Ufokobong Edwin Godwin, allegedly after being assaulted by a senior student at Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene.
The deceased, a Junior Secondary School (JSS2) student, was reportedly attacked over his refusal to share personal provisions with a final-year student, raising fresh concerns about bullying and student safety in Nigerian boarding schools.
According to accounts from students, the incident occurred during the terminal examination period, before the Easter break. The senior student allegedly struck the boy repeatedly on the neck, causing him to collapse multiple times before he was rushed for medical attention.
A student who witnessed the incident said the victim fainted during the assault and was later hospitalised for a neck injury.
“He was hit on the neck and went into a coma. He later regained consciousness in the hospital and was taken back to school,” the student recounted.
The situation reportedly worsened after the student returned home for the holidays. Unaware of the severity of his injuries, his parents initially treated him for what appeared to be minor neck and throat pain.
However, his condition deteriorated rapidly.
“At home, the boy developed severe pains on his neck and kept shouting, ‘my neck, my neck.’ When the pain became unbearable, he was rushed to the hospital,” the source added.
He eventually died on Easter Sunday, with medical reports indicating complications linked to blood clots around the neck region.
The tragic development has sparked widespread concern among parents and education stakeholders, particularly over how cases of bullying are handled within school environments.
Confirming the incident, the school principal, Mr Jude Ezeogu, described the death as a painful loss to the institution and the nation.
“It’s an unfortunate incident. The entire school is in a mourning mood. He is our child; he is a Nigerian child. We are deeply touched by his demise,” he said.
He added that the school management would investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and communicate its findings.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased has called on the Federal Government to intervene and ensure justice is served.
The boy’s father, who spoke briefly, said: “I am calling on the Federal Government to intervene for justice. I will talk at the appropriate time.”
The Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom State has also been contacted, with the Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, indicating that the matter would be verified.
The incident has reignited calls for stricter anti-bullying policies, improved student monitoring systems, and stronger accountability frameworks in Nigerian schools, especially in boarding institutions where supervision gaps may expose younger students to abuse.
Education advocates warn that without urgent reforms, cases of bullying could continue to escalate, posing serious risks to student safety and well-being.
For information on Press Releases, Photos, Promotional Events and Adverts, Please message us on WhatsApp via (+234) 09052129258, 08124662170 or send an email to: info@educeleb.com.
