Family Seeks Justice Over Alleged Bullying Death of 12-Year-Old Student at FGC Ikot Ekpene
A grieving family in Akwa Ibom State is demanding justice following the tragic death of their 12-year-old son, Ufokobong Edwin Godwin, a Junior Secondary School student at Federal Government College Ikot Ekpene. The incident, which has sparked outrage, allegedly involved bullying by a senior student, leading to fatal complications.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to reports, the tragedy unfolded before the Easter holiday when a Senior Secondary three (SS3) student allegedly assaulted Ufokobong in the school hostel. The senior student reportedly demanded provisions from the younger boy during exam period, but Ufokobong refused, citing insufficient supplies for himself. In response, the senior student allegedly struck him on the neck, causing him to lose consciousness.
Other students in the hostel raised an alarm, prompting the compound master to intervene. Ufokobong was rushed to a hospital, where he later regained consciousness and was subsequently returned to school. However, the parents were not informed of the incident when they picked him up for the holiday.
Family's Anguish and Hospital Confirmation
At home, Ufokobong developed severe neck pains, leading his parents to administer pain relief medication. When his condition deteriorated, his father rushed him back to the hospital, where he died on Easter Sunday, April 5. Hospital authorities allegedly confirmed that the cause of death was complications from blood clots in the throat area, stemming from the earlier injury.
In emotional videos shared by Oga Yenne TV, the boy's mother is seen weeping over his body, vowing to pursue justice. She exclaimed, "Senior student, you killed this child. You'll not go scott free. We'll fight you to the end." Additional footage shows loved ones mourning during the burial, with his grandmother lamenting in front of the ambulance carrying his remains.
School and Parental Response
When contacted for comment, the father of the deceased expressed his grief, stating, "Sorry, I'm not in a position to make any comment now. I'm still in pains." The incident has raised serious questions about student safety and bullying protocols at Federal Government College Ikot Ekpene, with calls for a thorough investigation into the matter.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about bullying in educational institutions and the need for stricter enforcement of anti-bullying policies to protect vulnerable students.
