Henry Okonkwo, an 8-year-old pupil, tragically died after his teacher, Faith Nwonye, allegedly beat him at an illegal school in Anambra State. The school has been closed, and authorities vow to seek justice.
In a tragic turn of events, Henry Okonkwo, an 8-year-old primary two pupil at Landmark School in Mgbakwu, Awka North LGA, Anambra State, has succumbed to injuries sustained after allegedly being beaten to a coma by his teacher, Faith Nwonye. The incident, which occurred over the weekend, had initially led to Nwonye's arrest for physical abuse.
Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the state commissioner for education, had earlier summoned the school's proprietor and Nwonye to explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged brutalization of the pupil. During the investigation, it was discovered that the school was operating illegally, prompting authorities to shut it down indefinitely.
In a heartbreaking Facebook post on Thursday, Chuma-Udeh confirmed Henry's passing and vowed to seek justice for the young life cut short. "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," she wrote.
"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."
The tragic incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, with authorities vowing to ensure justice is served for the innocent pupil whose life was cut short under such horrific circumstances.
