In a tragic incident at Obada Idi-Emi High School, located in Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, a student identified as Ariyo has reportedly died after a teacher allegedly administered 162 strokes of the cane as punishment for breaking a dustbin.
The incident was brought to light by an activist, Adetoun, who posted about it on Instagram. According to Adetoun’s account, the teacher had brought a dustbin into Ariyo’s class with strict instructions that it should not be broken. Ariyo, in a playful response, allegedly remarked that the dustbin was purchased with student funds, which reportedly angered the teacher.
Following this, the teacher escalated the matter to the school principal, who then ordered Ariyo’s punishment. Acting on these instructions, the teacher allegedly proceeded to flog Ariyo repeatedly. During the course of the punishment, Ariyo reportedly collapsed and lost consciousness.
Adetoun further alleged that school staff, including the teacher, delayed taking Ariyo to a hospital for medical attention. When he was eventually taken to a hospital, he was pronounced dead.
A senior police official confirmed the incident under the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to speak on the matter. The officer stated that the police had intervened to prevent tensions in the community from escalating.
“We are on the matter; the incident was creating tension, but we managed to calm the situation,” the officer explained.
As of the time of this report, the Ogun State Police Command spokesperson has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the incident.