Jessica Chuks, a female pre-nursery student at a private school in Uja village, Oru Oboro, in Ikwuano LGA of Abia State, Okoronta, died after it was suspected that she had consumed a liquid substance while attending class.
While Okoronta Chuks, the father of the deceased student, claims his daughter died after consuming a dangerous liquid that was carelessly stored within the school, the school administration asserts that it took multiple actions to save the child’s life in a clinic following a suspected Kerosene drink.
Speaking about the tragic incident, the father of the deceased child stated that on November 21, 2024, he received a call from the school’s headmistress telling him that his child had been taken to a Clinic in Nnono Oboro after she drank Kerosene.
Chuks claimed that before his daughter was brought to the hospital, he was not even notified.
“Imagine, they took my child to a clinic without my knowing! I believe as an affected parent, I should have a choice of the hospital and also we have a family Doctor. So I took a bike ride to the place as she mentioned. When I got there, it was a horrific scenario.
“We were also hopeful that the child would be revived but sadly, she gave up”, Mr Chuks said in tears.
The father, who demanded justice for his deceased daughter, claimed that the Nigerian Police Force’s Ikwuano Divisional Headquarters had been notified of the situation.
Speaking on the subject, James Uchegbuo, secretary of the Oboro Council of President Generals Forum, stated that no dangerous materials should be stored in offices or classrooms, particularly those where children are present.
Uchegbuo advised the police to provide a reliable investigative report in order to provide justice to the family of the innocent child.
In response to ZINGTIE’s inquiry regarding whether the issue had been reported to the Abia State Command’s Ikwuano Divisional Headquarters, ASP Maureen Chinaka, the Police Spokesperson, confirmed that the matter is being investigated.
“Yes, we have such a report. It was reported and investigation is ongoing”, ASP Chinaka said.