Pupil Allegedly Beaten to Coma by Teacher in Anambra State is dead
A pupil of Landmark International School in Mgbakwu, Awka North, Anambra State, Henry Okonkwo, has died after reportedly being beaten into a coma by a teacher. The incident occurred on Monday, and the boy succumbed to his injuries early Wednesday morning.
The accused teacher, Faith Nwonye, 30, was arrested following the incident. Anambra State's Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, had earlier summoned Nwonye to explain the circumstances surrounding the brutalization of the eight-year-old on May 20, 2024. Prof. Chuma-Udeh expressed deep sorrow over the incident, noting that doctors had given Henry only a 20 percent chance of survival while he was hospitalized.
The commissioner condemned the operation of the school, describing it as illegal, and warned that those involved in such activities would face severe consequences. The school's proprietor, Mrs. Promise Ilo, was also summoned, leading to the school's temporary closure pending an investigation.
Although Nwonye admitted to flogging the child, she claimed that the severity of the punishment had been exaggerated. The case was handed over to the police, and Henry remained in intensive care until his death.
Prof. Chuma-Udeh expressed her grief on Facebook, highlighting the tragedy of a young boy losing his life due to those entrusted with his education. She wrote, "He was a boy like any other, with hopes and aspirations. He went to school for a better future but met a gruesome death at the hands of the people who were supposed to help him achieve his life ambition. A quack teacher in an illegal school bludgeoned him to death. We mourn a life nipped in the bud! We mourn Henry Chukwuemeka Okonkwo! We mourn and we seek justice."
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