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FIDA demands unbiased, thorough investigation into Sylvester Oronomi’s murder

...Calls for overhaul of educational system in Nigeria

The International Federation o, demanded a thorough investigation to the death of the young boy, urging the Federal Government to overhaul the educational system in the country.

Sylvester Oromoni, 12, was reportedly bullied and beaten to death by three of his schoolmates ostensibly for denying to belong to a secret cult that they wanted him to be part of.

FIDA, in a press release while reacting to Oronomi’s death, demanded a thorough investigation to the death of the young boy, urging the Federal Government to overhaul the educational system in the country.

The FIDA also sought for objective investigation in all aspects of the case , while it also called on the Nigerian authorities to determine the culpability of the school’s management in the investigation as well as bringing to justice those found culpable in the boy’s death.

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It also urged that no one is shielded from investigation or punishment in the matter.

FIDA’s statement was jointly e-signed by Country Vice/National President FIDA Nigeria, Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje and National Publicity Secretary of FIDA Nigeria, Christiana Oyanvutu Adejumo.

FIDA’s statement read thus, “It  was  with  a  rude  shock  that  FIDA  Nigeria  viewed  the  video  that  has  gone  viral  of Sylvester  Oromoni  Jr.  who  was  purportedly  bullied  and  tortured  while  in  school eventually leading to his untimely death.

“FIDA  Nigeria  has  noticed  that  the  trend  of  violence  by  and  to  children  and  youth  in institutions  of  learning  is  becoming  rampant  and  must  be  checked  and  stopped forthwith.

“Reference is here made to the recent incident of a) 11-year-old Don Davies Archibong in Deeper  Life  High  School,  Idoro,  Uyo  Akwa  Ibom  State  and  b)  14-year-old,  Keren-Happuch Aondodoo Akpagher, a Senior Secondary School (SSS1) student of Premiere Academy Lugbe, Abuja raped in her dormitory and so forth, who have suffered similar violence resulting in grievous injury and death.

“These  terrible  tales  emanating  from  secondary  schools  across  the  nation  are  an indication of a failing system in dire need of overhauling. The grave situation must be addressed with utmost urgency.

“Article  19  of  the  UN  Convention  on  the  Rights  of  the  Child  (CRC)  clearly  states  that children have the right to be protected from physical and mental violence, neglect, sexual abuse and exploitation, while they are in the care of parents or any other person. Article 3 para. 2 gives the child the right to such protection and care as is necessary for his or her well-being

“A child has the right to be protected from physical and mental violence, neglect, sexual abuse and exploitation, while they are in the care of parents or any other person.

“Article 3 para. 2 gives the child the right to such protection and care as is necessary for his or her well-being Article 19 UNCRC. They are vulnerable and must be protected.

“Child’s Rights Act (CRA) 2003 also provide and protect the rights of a Nigerian child

“As all well-meaning Nigerians mourn this terrible death of Sylvester, FIDA Nigeria joins in condoling with the family over this great and unfortunate loss of a young child with great promise for a bright future.

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“FIDA joins in shouting out against this evil trend of corporal punishment, bullying and

the maltreatment of children in institutions of learning.

“This evil trend must stop NOW!  As we carry out 16 days of activism on ending violence in our communities NOW, it is clear from our schools’ outreaches in the different states that the educational system needs quick intervention as vulnerable children (even in schools) suffer great violence from persons of authority over them and indeed fellow schoolmates.  The Educational sector is failing and there is an urgent need to address it immediately.”

FIDA categorically stated that the total well-being of children matters and education is  not  just  about  getting  excellent  grades  and  the  economic  benefits  that  accrue  to institutions, but about balancing academic performance against good character formation.

“Attention must also be paid to addressing forthwith the issue of cultism and fraternities in our schools, the system must be sanitized”

The body of women lawyers then demanded that “Prompt  justice  for  Sylvester  and  insists  on  a  complete  thorough  and  objective investigation into all aspects of the case, (and indeed other recently reported cases), to

determine the culpability of management, the truants involved and so forth, such that

no one is shielded from investigation or punishment.”

FIDA also demanded that  the  Ministry  of  Education  must  take  responsibility  and  act  quickly  in  promptly addressing key issues affecting schools generally.

It also said that the Federal and State Government should overhaul the educational facilities/ system  with a view to instilling high moral and other standards, which will deter evil actors of crimes such as this.

It said that parents working with schools should be proactive to teach and insist on good values, integrity  and  good  character  but  above  all,  respect  and  dignity  for  persons  (even  as children) rather than shielding them,

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“Proper and effective medical support in schools including psychological assessment

for the well-being of a child in school. A child should not be so frightened that he/she cannot lodge a report to school authorities or parents.

“Comprehensive  school  policies  must  be  immediately  put  in  place  to  tackle  such  key issues,  with  protective  brackets  at  different  levels  for  the  vulnerable  children,  rather than a situation of ignoring and covering up reports

-Set  high  standards  of  operations  in  institutions  with  requisite  checks  and  balances which are imperative.”

 

 

 

 

 

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