An 11-year-old student of Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom state, UfokObong Godwin, has died under controversial circumstances.
The family and the college authority said investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances behind his demise.
The boy’s death, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of 5 April, has drawn public attention, following claims circulating on social media alleging that a senior student assaulted him.
A senior student allegedly struck the victim on the neck after he had refused to hand over his provisions to the senior student, which led to his being rushed to a medical facility.
The post further claimed that the school authorities treated the victim without informing his parents and that they later allowed him to return home without disclosing the incident to his parents.
An online account said on 1 April, the boy reportedly complained of neck pain and received medication. But in the early hours of 5 April, he reportedly died from complications associated with blood clots around his throat.
The school authorities however offered a different account.
The Vice Principal (Administration), Hassan Adamu, declined to comment, stating that he was not authorised to speak.
The School Principal, Ezeogu Jude, said by phone that the matter was under investigation.
“He went to the college clinic, was checked and returned to the hostel. He continued his examination and went about his normal activities,” the principal said.
