From TCNEWS
A devastating incident has shaken the Uja village and Oru autonomous community Oboro clan in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State after a pre nursery pupil, Late Miss Okoronta Jessica Chuks, tragically lost her life following the alleged ingestion of a poisonous substance at a private school.
Located in Oru – Oboro, and ran by an Anglican priest, the name of the school will not be disclosed on this report, pending the findings of the Nigerian Police Force, the incident which has also been confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, LLB, anipr.
The Okoronta family is seeking justice, while outraged community members have expressed bitterness over the incident, which led the traditional ruler of the Community, Eze Ralph Ogbonna, upon getting the wind of the ugly incident to direct that the school be closed to maintain peace, law and order.
According to reports, the child was rushed to a nearby clinic after showing symptoms of poisoning but, unfortunately, succumbed to the effects. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still unclear.
The police has launched an investigation into the matter, and is working to determine the cause of the poisoning and identify any potential accountability.
The community remains in shock, demanding answers and justice for the family. The school’s administration has faced intense scrutiny, with many calling for its closure until further notice.
As the investigation unfolds, the family and community await transparency and accountability.
The Secretary of Oboro Council of President Generals Forum, Engr. Dr. James Nnadozie Uchegbuo, and a school proprietress, a wife of an Anglican vicar in Umuahia diocese Anglican communion, who requested that her name should not be made known, while offering condolences to the family, wondered why safety measures were overlooked in the school, pointing out that harmful substances are not kept in classes or offices.
They maintained that a responsible school must ensure student safety including securing potentially hazardous materials and reviewing safety protocols to prevent similar incidents.
The incident has sparked concern among parents and the community, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and safety measures in schools.
Pix: Mr. Okoronta Chuks (m).
The narration of Mr. Okoronta Chuks, the father of the deceased.
Miss Okoronta Jessica Chuks is my last daughter. On that ill-fated day, November 21, 2024, I took her to school by myself. Around 1 pm, the Headmistress of the school called my phone to inform me that my child mistakenly drank kerosene, I screamed because I know that kerosene is a chemical substance, wondering why they should keep kerosene within the reach of pre nursery pupils. I became perplexed and I asked where my child is, she said that they took her to a private hospital (name of the hospital withheld pending the findings of the Nigerian Police Force) in Ndoro.
Immediately, I and my wife rushed to the said hospital she mentioned, only to learn that no one with such a case was brought to the hospital. I became confused and disturbed, I started calling the Headmistress again but her lines were indicating busy. After sometime, she called to tell me that they took my child to a clinic (name of the clinic also withheld pending the findings of the Nigerian Police Force) in one of the villages in Nnono community.
Imagine, they took my child to a clinic without my knowing! I believe as an affected parent, I should have a choice of the hospital and also we have a family doctor. So I took a bike ride to the place as she mentioned. When I got there, it was horrific scenario. My child appeared unconscious, vomiting out blood. Yes I saw a drip running through her. They told me to be patient that my child will be revived, but her breathing pattern was not encouraging.
I was left with no option than to call my cousin, Chief Ugochukwu Okoronta and also Chief Ikemba, from Agbalaozu, to come and witness the situation. We were also hopeful that the child will be revived but sadly, she gave up.
Immediately, we rushed to the school with one of the male teachers to actually show us exactly where the child picked up the substance that she drank. On getting to the school, he said that the incident happened at the Headmistress’s office, whom the teachers had claimed was not in school at the time of the incident. We inquired why a little child like my daughter got or gained access to the Headmistress’s office. It is so unfortunate that the school is not conscious of what they are doing! When we opened the Headmistress’s office, we asked the teacher to show us the container of the substance that she drank, he brought out two containers of liquid. One smiles like kerosene and the other one smelt like a combination of izal and sniper.
The school claimed that my child drank kerosene with no one being an eyewitness. So we asked him, since he was not there when the child took the substance, how are we sure that she actually drank kerosene as they have told us?
Later, we heard from some of the older students in the school including my son, Master Ikechukwu Okoronta, that the school management strictly warned them not to reveal what happened. We went further to enquire from other students, who also confirmed same. We took the substance back to the clinic and from there, my cousin, Chief Ugochukwu Okoronta, notified the Police from Ikwuano Divisional headquarters. They arrived at the clinic and took us including the teacher to the station, to take our statements. Later on, the Director and Proprietor of the School, Rev. Canon Benson came for interrogation.