Rivers Government Closes School Over Toddler’s Death

The Rivers State Government shut down Wisdom Gate International School after a two-year-old pupil died when a bookshelf fell on her, as investigations continue and her parents demand justice.

The Rivers State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Wisdom Gate International School in Eligbolo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, following the tragic death of a two-year-old pupil.

The child, identified as Wynne Akekue, reportedly died after a bookshelf fell on her while she was asleep in her classroom on March 17, 2026. The incident sparked outrage, with her parents, Dr Iasuaka Akekue and Mrs Chinyerum Akekue, accusing the school of hiding key details surrounding their daughter’s death and demanding justice during a press briefing in Port Harcourt.

In response, the school denied any wrongdoing, stating that it has been cooperating fully with authorities, including the police, in the ongoing investigation.

Confirming the shutdown, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, said the decision followed an engagement with the school’s management and an independent probe carried out by the ministry.

He expressed sympathy to the grieving family and assured the public that the government is committed to uncovering the truth. According to him, the school will remain closed until all issues related to the incident are thoroughly resolved.

The Ministry of Education also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and respect the privacy of the bereaved family, while reaffirming its dedication to maintaining safety standards and quality assurance in schools across the state.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, PUNCH