Rivers State Government Suspends School Following Toddler's Demise

The Rivers State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of Wisdom Gate International School, located in Eligbolo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, in response to the unfortunate death of a two-year-old student. The incident occurred on March 17, 2026, when a bookshelf, reportedly not securely mounted, fell on the young child while she was asleep in her classroom.

Wynne Akekue, the deceased toddler, was identified as the victim. Her parents, Dr. Iasuaka Akekue and Mrs. Chinyerum Akekue, addressed a press conference in Port Harcourt, calling for justice and alleging negligence and an attempt at a cover-up by the school administration concerning their daughter's death.

In a statement released on Thursday, April 16, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, confirmed that the school's suspension followed an independent investigation conducted by the ministry.

Dr. Nwagor extended his sympathies to the grieving parents, emphasizing that the school will remain closed until all aspects of the incident have been thoroughly investigated and resolved. "The Rivers State Ministry of Education has carefully evaluated the tragic incident that occurred at one of our approved schools, Wisdom Gate International School, in Eligbolo, resulting in the death of a two-year-old girl on March 17, 2026," the statement read.

"We deeply sympathise with the parents of the child over this irreparable loss, and respect their privacy during this moment of grief. We appeal to members of the public to do the same and avoid speculations."

He continued, "As a Ministry, we have interfaced with the management of the school and conducted our own independent investigation into the incident."

"Consequently, Wisdom Gate International School, Campus 1, Eligbolo, is hereby suspended from operations and shall not resume academic activities until all issues surrounding the matter are fully resolved."

The Commissioner concluded by reiterating the Ministry's commitment: "The Ministry of Education remains committed to ensuring standard care, safety and sustainability while continuing to provide quality assurance in both public and private schools."