12-Year-Old Student Dies After Alleged Bullying at Akwa Ibom Unity School

Tension has enveloped Federal Government College Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State following the death of a 12-year-old student, Ufokobong Edwin Godwin, who reportedly suffered injuries linked to alleged bullying by a senior student.

The deceased, a Junior Secondary School 2 student, was said to have been attacked prior to the Easter break by a Senior Secondary School 3 student after refusing to share his provisions during the examination period.

Accounts from fellow students indicate that the confrontation turned violent, with the senior student allegedly striking the younger boy on the neck. One student claimed the victim collapsed and slipped into a coma after the assault.

The boy was reportedly taken to the hospital on Easter Sunday, where he later died. Medical personnel were said to have attributed his death to complications arising from blood clots around the neck area.

Sources said the student had earlier regained consciousness and returned to school before the holiday, with his parents allegedly unaware of the incident when they picked him up at the close of term.

Another account alleged that the assault involved repeated blows to the neck, causing the victim to faint multiple times before other students raised the alarm.

After returning home for the holiday, the boy reportedly complained persistently of severe neck pain. Family sources said he repeatedly cried out in distress, prompting his parents to initially administer pain relief medication.

However, as his condition worsened, he was rushed to the hospital by his father, where he eventually died.

The school principal, Jude Ezeogu, confirmed the incident and described the development as tragic, noting that the school community is in mourning.

He added that the school management committee would convene to review the circumstances surrounding the incident and provide further clarification.

Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command said it is yet to issue a detailed statement, with spokesperson Timfon John indicating that the matter is being verified.

The family of the deceased has called on the Federal Government to investigate the case and ensure justice is served. The boy’s father, who spoke briefly, appealed for intervention, saying he would provide more details at the appropriate time.