A two-year-old girl has died following an incident at Wisdom Gate School, a private nursery and primary school in Port Harcourt, triggering grief and demands for accountability from parents and residents.
The child was dropped off by her parents on a regular school morning. Hours later, the family said they received a call from school authorities informing them that the girl had been injured. She was reportedly rushed for medical attention but later died from the injuries.
According to the initial account given to the family by the school, books fell on the child, leading to the fatal injuries. That explanation has been met with widespread skepticism. Many parents and social media users questioned how falling books alone could cause the death of a toddler, prompting calls for a transparent investigation.
Alternative accounts circulating online allege that an old or faulty bookshelf collapsed on the child, rather than just books. Those claims have fueled suspicion of possible negligence and inadequate maintenance of school facilities. As of now, these allegations have not been officially confirmed by the police or the Rivers State Ministry of Education.
The Rivers State Police Command said it has opened an investigation to establish the exact circumstances. Investigators are expected to focus on four key areas:
1. The true cause of death: A post-mortem will determine the nature and extent of the injuries. 2. Condition of facilities: Inspectors will examine classrooms, furniture, and storage units for structural safety and compliance. 3. Supervision standards: Authorities will review staff-to-child ratios and whether proper monitoring was in place at the time. 4. School’s safety protocols: Investigators will check if the school met state requirements for early childhood centers.
School management has not issued a detailed public statement beyond the initial report to the family. Attempts to reach the proprietor for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
The incident has drawn strong reactions across social media, with hashtags calling for justice for the child trending in Port Harcourt. Parents described the news as “every family’s worst nightmare” and urged the government to conduct unscheduled inspections of private schools, especially those handling children under five.
Child rights advocates say the case underscores gaps in regulatory enforcement. “Licensing a school is not enough. There must be routine checks on infrastructure, staff training, and emergency response,” said a Port Harcourt-based education consultant.
The Rivers State Ministry of Education has directed its Quality Assurance Department to visit the school and submit a preliminary report. Officials added that sanctions, including possible closure, will be considered if negligence is established.
Meanwhile, the bereaved family has called for privacy as they mourn. Community members have visited the home to pay condolences….See More
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