The Lagos State Government has shut down Smiley Kids Montessori, located at Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, Lagos, following the sudden death of a two-year-old pupil at the school.
This was confirmed by the Lagos State Safety Commission.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Wednesday, was first disclosed by the bereaved mother on her X (formerly Twitter) account.
Tweeting via her handle, Ellla@AbiaPrincess_X, the grieving mother demanded answers regarding the circumstances of her daughter’s death.
According to her, the school claimed her daughter drowned in the school’s swimming pool.
However, she alleged that her child was electrocuted and that the school placed her body in the pool to cover up the true cause of death.
She shared a photograph of the swimming pool, which is surrounded by a high barricade, questioning how a two-year-old could have climbed over it. The mother called on the Lagos State Government to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Reacting to the incident on Friday, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs. Titilayo Adeniyi-Vivour, assured the public that the government would investigate the case to ensure justice is served.
In a statement, Lagos State Safety Commission confirmed that the school has been sealed, and investigations have commenced.
“The attention of the Lagos State Safety Commission has been drawn to the swimming pool accident that occurred at Smiley Kids Montessori, Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, Lagos, on Wednesday, 15th January 2025, which led to the death of a two-year-old female, Rapheala Ogbodo.
“The officials of the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Ministry of Education have visited the scene of the accident to carry out a preliminary investigation and ascertain the root cause of the unfortunate incident.
“While the school is presently under lock pending further investigation, the State Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the victim and expresses its commitment to preventing future occurrences,” the commission said.
The Director-General of the Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, emphasised the importance of compliance with safety regulations by school owners and caregivers to prevent similar tragedies.
Mojola added that additional details would be provided upon the completion of the ongoing investigation.
