Rivers State closes educational institution following fatal incident involving young child

The Rivers State Government has taken decisive action against Wisdom Gate International School, situated in Eligbolo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, following the tragic death of a two-year-old girl, by suspending its operations.

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The toddler, Wynne Akekue, lost her life due to complications after a bookshelf fell on her while she was asleep in her classroom on March 17, 2026, sparking widespread concern and outrage.

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Wynne's parents, Dr Iasuaka Akekue and Mrs Chinyerum Akekue, recently held a news briefing in Port Harcourt, where they demanded justice and accused the school management of withholding information about their daughter's death.

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In response to these allegations, the school issued a statement last Wednesday, denying any wrongdoing and claiming to be cooperating fully with the relevant authorities, including the police, regarding the incident.

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According to a statement personally signed by the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, and obtained on Thursday, the suspension of the school was necessary after an independent investigation and interaction with the school management.

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Dr Nwagor expressed his sympathy for the grieving parents, while also announcing that the school would remain closed until all issues surrounding the incident are fully resolved.

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The statement from the Rivers State Ministry of Education acknowledged the tragic incident at Wisdom Gate International School, which resulted in the death of a two-year-old girl on March 17, 2026, and offered condolences to the parents.

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The Ministry appealed to the public to respect the family's privacy and refrain from speculating about the incident, while also revealing that it had conducted its own independent investigation into the matter.

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As a result of this investigation, Wisdom Gate International School, Campus 1, Eligbolo, has been suspended from operations and will not resume academic activities until all issues surrounding the matter are fully resolved.

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The Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring standard care, safety, and sustainability, while continuing to provide quality assurance in both public and private schools.