Public Outrage as Lagos Teacher Arrested for Assaulting Three-Year-Old Pupil
Nigerians have expressed widespread outrage following the emergence of a viral video showing Stella Nwadigo, a teacher at Christ-Mitots International School in Isawo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, physically assaulting a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael. The incident reportedly occurred during a writing lesson where the pupil struggled to write as instructed.
Details of the Incident
In the video, Nwadigo is seen repeatedly slapping Abayomi while instructing him to write the number six. The footage, shared widely on social media, has drawn condemnation from Nigerians across various sectors, with many calling for justice for the young boy.
The shocking display of abuse has also raised concerns about child protection and the conduct of educators in Nigerian schools.
Official Response
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has confirmed Nwadigo’s arrest. In a phone interview on Wednesday, the agency’s Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, assured the public that appropriate measures were being taken to address the matter.
“The teacher is in custody, and investigations are ongoing. The government is committed to ensuring justice for the young boy,” Vivour-Adeniyi said.
The Lagos State Ministry of Education also weighed in, with spokesperson Kayode Sutton confirming that the incident had been escalated to relevant authorities for further investigation. “This matter has been forwarded to the appropriate quarters, and we are working to ensure that due process is followed,” Sutton stated.
Public Reaction
The video has sparked an uproar on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the teacher’s actions and demanding accountability. Prominent social commentator, VeryDarkMan, was among those who voiced their outrage.
“To the owners of Christ-Mitots, you have just 24 hours to explain why the teacher treated that child in such a way. I’ve never been to Ikorodu, but I’ll fly to that school,” he declared in a video shared online.
He further threatened to organize a protest at the school, urging Nigerians to rally around the case to prevent similar incidents. “Imagine if the child had fallen and gotten injured; they would have likely fabricated a story to cover up the abuse,” he said, suggesting that this might not be the teacher’s first offence.
Broader Implications
The incident has reignited conversations about the state of education and child welfare in Nigeria. Many critics have called for stricter vetting and training processes for teachers, as well as enhanced monitoring systems to safeguard children from abuse in schools.
Child rights advocates have also demanded that the Lagos State government impose severe penalties on schools and educators involved in such acts, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of children.
Next Steps
The DSVA and Lagos State Ministry of Education have assured the public that investigations are ongoing, with further updates expected in the coming days. In the meantime, Nigerians are watching closely to ensure that justice is served and measures are implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.