Lagos Govt. Shuts Down School Over Alleged Electrocution/Drowning of 2-year-old Pupil

The Lagos State Government has shut down Smiley Kids Montessori School in the Sangotedo area after a tragic incident in which two-year-old Rapheala Ogbodo drowned in the school’s swimming pool.

The school closure was confirmed in a post by the Lagos State Government on its X handle on Saturday, January 18 stating that the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Ministry of Education’s Office of Education Quality Assurance are currently investigating the incident, which occurred on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

The government has extended its heartfelt condolences to the grieving family of the young victim and assured the public of its commitment to preventing such incidents in the future.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Lagos State Safety Commission has been drawn to the swimming pool accident that occurred at Smiley Kids Montessori, Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, Lagos, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, which led to the death of a two-year-old female, Rapheala Ogbodo.

“Officials from the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Ministry of Education, have visited the scene of the accident to conduct a preliminary investigation and determine the root cause of this unfortunate event.

“While the school remains closed pending further investigation, the State Government extends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family and reaffirms its commitment to preventing future tragedies.

“The Director-General of the Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, stated that all school owners and caregivers must adhere to safety regulations to prevent accidents in the State.

“Mojola also indicated that further information would be provided upon the completion of the investigation.”

Meanwhile, sources have revealed that the little girl was electrocuted but the school management threw her inside the swimming pool and claimed she drowned.