Tragic tension has engulfed Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, following the death of 12‑year‑old JSS 2 student, Ufokobong Edwin Godwin, after alleged bullying by a senior student.
The incident reportedly began before the Easter break when the boy refused to share his provisions during examinations. Witnesses said a senior student attacked him, striking his neck repeatedly until he fainted.
“A fellow student asked the boy for provisions, but he refused. The student reportedly hit him on the neck, after which he went into a coma,” a hostel mate recounted.
“He fainted three times before other students raised the alarm for his rescue,” the student added.
Hospitalisation And Family’s Account
Ufokobong was later hospitalised for a neck sprain but returned to school before the holiday. His parents, unaware of the incident, picked him up at term’s end.
At home, he began complaining of severe neck pain. “He was shouting my neck, my neck,” a friend of the family said. His parents gave him pain relief drugs, believing it was minor.
By Easter Saturday, his father sought prayers from friends as the boy’s condition worsened. On Easter Sunday, he died at the hospital. Doctors confirmed complications from blood clots around his throat.
“Earlier at home, the parents said the boy started complaining of throat pain on Wednesday, and they got medication for him,” another source explained.
School And Police Response
Principal Mr. Jude Ezeogu confirmed the tragedy. “It’s an unfortunate incident, the entire school is in a mourning mood. He is our child, he is a Nigerian child. So, we are deeply touched by his demise,” he said.
He added that the school management committee would meet to discuss the matter and communicate findings.
Police spokesperson Timfon John said the command was aware of the case and promised to provide details once investigations were complete.
Meanwhile, the boy’s father has called for accountability. “I cannot talk now. I am calling on the Federal Government to intervene for justice. I will talk at the appropriate time,” he told reporters.
The incident has sparked outrage among parents and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of anti‑bullying rules in Nigerian schools.
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