Lagos shuts school after death of two-year-old pupil in swimming pool

Lagos State Government has shut Smiley Kids Montessori School in Sangotedo, Lagos Island after a two-year-old pupil of the school,Rapheala Ogbodo, reportedly died in the school pool.

The tragedy, it was gathered, happened on Wednesday, January 15. The sad news was shared on the social media by the bereaved mother on her X handle, Ellla@AbiaPrincess_X.

But the heartbroken mother demanded answers into the death, which was attributed to drowning in the school’s swimming pool.

She alleged that she discovered the child was electrocuted, but they put the body in the pool to make it look like drowning.

She shared a picture of the pool with a high barricade to keep children away and asked how a two-year-old could have climbed over the barricade.

However, the Lagos State Safety Commission in a statement said its officers had visited the school, adding that it had been closed pending investigation.

The statement reads, “The attention the Lagos State Safety Commission has been drawn to the swimming pool accident that occurred at Smiley Kids Montessori, Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, Lagos, on Wednesday, 15th January 2025, which led to the death of a two-year-old female, Rapheala Ogbodo.

“The officials of the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Ministry of Education have visited the scene of the accident to carry out a preliminary investigation and ascertain the root cause of the unfortunate incident.

“While the school is presently under lock pending further investigation, the State Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the victim and expresses its commitment to preventing future occurrences.

“The Director-General of the Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, stated that all school owners and caregivers must comply with safety regulations to prevent accidents in the State.”

The statement added that further information would be made available upon completion of investigations into the accident.