The Pechilly Investigative Channel has accused the government of Anambra State of shutting down Blessed Wisdom Model School Onitsha over a claim that the school flogged a child; one miss Ifechkwu Egnuniwe of 2 years without due diligence.
The Pechilly Investigative Channel team said it conducted an investigation to examine the veracity of the claim which led to the shutting down of the school.
“During our investigation we outlined so many fact, statements and evidence concerning the matter,” the report reads in part.
“However, After conducting interviews with the school administration, Teachers, Doctor and several witnesses that were present on that day, 28th of April, 2023. We didn’t find any evidence to support the allegations upon which the commissioner acted.
“According to the school’s management, they’ve never recorded any incident of a 2-year-old pupil that ever been flogged in the school, and no such incident of corporal punishment has occurred.
“Additionally, several witnesses present at the time of the alleged incident said there was never a thing like that nor have they seen any evidence of such an occurrence in the school.
“Furthermore, it is worth noting that corporal punishment is illegal in Nigeria, and schools are subjected to strict regulations in this regard. Any reports of such incidents are taken very seriously by the authorities, and schools found guilty can face severe repercussions, including revocation of their license to operate.
“Based on the evidence we gathered, pechilly Investigative stated that the claims of a child being flogged at Blessed Wisdom Model School Onitsha are baseless and unfounded.
“The child, little miss Ifechkwu Egnuniwe only dislocated her elbow while playing with her follow children on the school play ground, this was ascertained by the medical doctor we interviewed in the course of our investigation who examined her and carried out an x-ray on the dislocated elbow when she was brought to his hospital on the very day of the incident.
“Dr Nwonu Simon, hospital located at Nnanyelugo Bone Cure Center, 11 Awka Rd Onitsha, stated that the dislocated elbow from the physical examination and the x-ray showed that it was as a result of a fall, as no cane stripes were evident on the affected part of the body in question and the entire body of little miss Ifechkwu Egnuniwe. .
“However, It is important to note that such allegations can be damaging not only to the school but also to the individuals involved, and it is essential to verify any such reports before spreading them. We urge the public to be cautious and always seek credible sources when dealing with issues of this nature.
“In conclusion, the parents of the child ignored the invitation of the police after they must have gone and reported the case to them.
“Overall, it is uncalled for, for a Commissioner to take action without investigating the matter properly. It is a failed decision of the government,” the group said.
