Tension gripped BrickHall School in Abuja as the mother of the late four-year-old Miguel Ovoke, who tragically died during feeding hours, stormed the premises with loved ones to protest against the handling of the matter by the school authorities.
Displaying a cardboard placard bearing the words “We Need Justice For Miguel, BrickHall School Kill Miguel,” the bereaved mother demanded answers and accountability from the school.
Miguel Ovoke’s untimely death occurred on Wednesday, April 24, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting calls for transparency and justice.
Videos obtained by SaharaReporters captured the grief-stricken mother lamenting her pain and accusing school staff of negligence and a cover-up. She expressed outrage over the crowded classroom conditions and alleged misinformation provided by school officials regarding her son’s condition.
In one of the videos, the mother pointed out staff members she accused of being responsible for her son’s death, claiming they misled doctors about Miguel’s condition.
The situation escalated when police officers allegedly threatened the protesters, adding further tension to the already fraught atmosphere.
The family had previously demanded access to Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage of the incident, seeking clarity on the circumstances leading to Miguel’s death.
BrickHall School, located in Cadastral Zone B11, Kaura, Abuja, is owned by Senator Joy Emodi, a former member of the Nigerian Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education.
According to the death certificate issued by Excel Specialist Hospital, Abuja, Miguel Ovoke was rushed to the hospital by his teachers in an unconscious state, where he was pronounced dead. The medical report cited aspiration on meat while feeding at school as the cause of death, despite efforts by medical personnel to resuscitate him.
As the grieving mother seeks answers and justice for her son, the tragic incident underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of students in educational institutions.