July 8, 2025

The Edo State Government said it has withdrawn operating licences of two schools over the death of a 12 year-old  boy, Nathan Spencer.

The pupil died after being swept away by floodwaters while on his way to write the Middle Basic Assessment Examination in Benin city, the Edo State capital.

The incident occurred on Saturday along the Uselu-Ugbowo road during a heavy downpour that left several parts of the city inundated.

Spencer, a pupil of Future Leaders Academy in Benin, was reportedly heading to Liberty Secondary School in Uselu, his designated examination centre for the First School Leaving Certificate Examination.

Eyewitnesses said the floodwaters had submerged parts of the road, creating hazardous conditions for commuters and pedestrians.

However, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, the State Commissioner of Education disclosed on Tuesday when he paid a condolence visit to the parents of the deceased, that the head teacher of one of the two schools has also been arrested in connection with the unfortunate incident.

The commissioner expressed the government’s displeasure over the incident, saying Gov. Monday Okpebholo was deeply touched by the death and directed an immediate visit.

“The state government will ensure that those responsible for the pupil’s death are held accountable.

“The principal is in police detention,” he said.

A viral video circulating online after the flooding showed a man carrying the lifeless body of the pupil on his shoulders, with bystanders urging him to rush the boy to the nearest hospital.

Several onlookers could also be heard criticising the boy’s parents for allowing him make the trip to the examination centre unaccompanied.

This incident has sparked renewed concerns about the state’s flood preparedness and the safety of school children, especially during the rainy season.

Iyamu, however, advised parents and guardians to monitor their kids and wards closely and not leave them in the hands of hustlers in the disguise of school owners. (NAN)