By Staff Reporter
UYO — Tragedy has struck Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, following the death of a 12-year-old Junior Secondary School 2 student, Ufokobong Edwin Godwin, who allegedly succumbed to injuries sustained during an assault by a senior student over provisions.
The incident, said to have occurred during terminal examinations before the Easter break, has sparked tension within the school community and renewed concerns about bullying in boarding schools.
A hostel mate of the deceased, who spoke anonymously, alleged that the confrontation began when a final-year student demanded provisions from the boy.
“A senior student in SS3 asked him for provisions, but he refused, saying he didn’t have enough,” the student said. “The senior hit him on the neck, and he went into a coma.”
The source further claimed that the victim later regained consciousness in hospital and was returned to school, with his parents allegedly unaware of the gravity of the situation when they took him home for the holidays.
“He was beaten repeatedly on the neck and fainted three times before other students intervened,” the source added.
At home, the boy reportedly developed worsening symptoms.
“He kept crying ‘my neck, my neck.’ His parents gave him pain relief drugs, thinking it was minor,” the student said. “But when the pain became unbearable, his father rushed him to the hospital.”
The father was said to have contacted friends late Saturday night, requesting prayers for his son. By Sunday morning—Easter Sunday—the boy had died.
Medical reports later confirmed that the cause of death was linked to complications arising from blood clots in the neck region.
Akwa Ibom State Police spokesperson, Timfon John, said she would confirm the incident but had not issued an official statement at press time.
Reacting, the school principal, Mr. Jude Ezeogu, described the development as heartbreaking.
“It’s an unfortunate incident. The entire school is in mourning,” he said. “He is our child, a Nigerian child, and we are deeply touched by his demise. The school management committee will review the circumstances surrounding his death.”
The family of the deceased has called on the Federal Government to investigate the case and ensure justice is served.
“I cannot speak now,” the grieving father said. “I am calling on the Federal Government to intervene for justice. I will speak at the appropriate time.”
