Two-Year-Old Dies After Bookshelf Topples at Rivers State School

The management of Wisdom Gate International School in Rivers State has acknowledged the death of a two-year-old child under their care. The incident, which reportedly happened on March 17, 2026, involved a poorly secured bookshelf that allegedly fell on the sleeping child.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the school administration expressed profound grief over the incident and extended sympathies to the child's bereaved family. They characterized the event as devastating and recognized the immense pain the family is enduring.

The school indicated that the child received immediate attention post-incident and was promptly taken for emergency medical treatment. Furthermore, the school confirmed that the incident was officially reported to the appropriate authorities and pledged full cooperation with ongoing investigations to ensure transparency.

"In deference to the family and the ongoing process, we will abstain from further public statements. However, we remain receptive to lawful and constructive dialogue," the school's statement concluded.

Despite the school's statement, claims of negligence and an attempted cover-up have surfaced following the child's tragic death. A social media commentator, known as Certified Courtist, reported that the child's parents were contacted by the school around 3 PM on the day of the incident and informed of their child's demise.

"The school contacted them, informing them the child was dead. They sought an explanation for what happened," the commentator shared. "Initially, the school claimed books had fallen on the child, causing her death. This account seemed inconsistent, as it was unclear how falling books alone could be fatal."

Subsequent reports suggested that a bookshelf, which was reportedly not properly fastened to the wall, collapsed onto the toddler as she slept on a mat beneath it.

"The bookshelf fell on the child, fracturing her skull and causing immediate death," the commentator stated, adding that the child suffered severe bleeding before passing.

It has also been alleged that the school delayed informing the parents. Instead, the child was reportedly transported to several medical facilities, where her death was confirmed, before the family was eventually notified.

"When the parents arrived, they found their deceased child; it is truly a sorrowful situation," the commentator added.

The family's distress reportedly turned to suspicion upon visiting the school premises. According to the account, evidence seemed to have been tampered with.

"They found that the school had cleaned the mats where the blood was... they even moved the bookshelf from its original classroom and concealed it in another," the narrator claimed.

The situation reportedly escalated after the case was brought to the attention of the police at Umukoro Police Station. The commentator alleged that a magistrate intervened and facilitated the release of some school personnel detained in connection with the incident.

"The magistrate visited the police station and ensured their release," the allegation continued.

Dissatisfied with the initial handling, the family allegedly transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where an autopsy was performed.

Preliminary findings from the autopsy reportedly corroborated that the child's death resulted from the impact of the falling shelf.

"The police have not taken any action to apprehend anyone... they are making every effort to intimidate this family," the commentator stated.

He further alleged that authorities have withheld the autopsy report from the family, citing bureaucratic delays, while promises of legal action have not materialized.

The commentator also raised questions about supervision within the school, claiming that no teachers were present in the classroom at the time of the incident.

"Where were the teachers? It was discovered they were not even in the class at that moment," he questioned.

Accusations were made against the school for operating unsafe facilities and allegedly attempting to evade accountability through influence and intimidation.

"We have heard accounts that the owners are well-connected, suggesting this matter might not progress far," he concluded.