Student’s death sparks fury, family alleged cover-up

The death of two-year-old Winnie Akakue at Wisdom Gate International School, Eligbolo, Rivers State, has sparked widespread outrage, with her family demanding justice and alleging attempts to cover up the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Winnie reportedly died on March 17, 2026, after a bookshelf allegedly collapsed on her while she slept in her classroom. Her father, Dr Iasuaka Akakue, said the family was informed only after the child had been taken to two medical facilities, where doctors at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital later confirmed she was brought in dead.

He further alleged that the scene of the incident was tampered with before any independent investigation could take place, claiming the bookshelf was moved and the area cleaned. According to him, some individuals also pressured the family to agree to a quick burial and out-of-court settlement.

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Akakue accused the police of handling the case with bias and failing to carry out a thorough investigation. He said the family had been assured they would receive the autopsy report once ready, but later struggled to obtain details despite police confirmation that the report had been received.

“We just want justice for our daughter and to know what truly caused her death,” he said, adding that the family is preparing to seek legal action.

Winnie’s mother, Chinyere Akakue, described the emotional trauma of receiving conflicting information from the school before discovering her daughter lifeless on a couch. She said the loss has left the family devastated, with Winnie’s siblings struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

Reacting to the incident, the Rivers State Government ordered the immediate closure of the school pending the outcome of investigations. The Ministry of Education said the school would remain shut until all safety concerns are addressed.

The Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing strict safety standards in schools across the state.

In its response, Wisdom Gate International School expressed sorrow over the child’s death and said it acted promptly by seeking medical attention and reporting the matter to authorities. The management said it was cooperating fully with investigators and reviewing its internal safety procedures.

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Meanwhile, the school’s proprietress and some parents have appealed to the government to reconsider the closure, citing disruption to academic activities and hardship for families.

The case remains under police investigation as calls for accountability continue.