The Ondo State Ministry of Education on Monday said that it had initiated an investigation into the assault on the Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, known as Mr Rotifa, by a student’s parents.
According to reports, Mr Rotifa prevented an SS3 pupil from cheating during the ongoing West African Examinations Council Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination.
The student was allegedly spotted using an android phone to cheat, which was later confiscated by the vice principal.
The crisis erupted after the student told his parents, who allegedly hired thugs to attack Mr Rotifa.
According to a source, the vice principal was violently taken from a police van and beaten nearly unconscious.
“When the hired thugs arrived at the school to attack the vice principal, the school called the police for assistance. However, the thugs overwhelmed the officers, dragged Mr Rotifa from their vehicle, and brutally assaulted him,” the source said.
The vice principal was rushed to a private hospital in Akure, the Ondo state capital for treatment.
In response, the Ondo State Ministry of Education, through its Director of Schools, Mr Dare Obajulaye, confirmed that an investigation has commenced.
The statement reads, “The incident began on Monday, May 26, when an Android phone was found in the possession of an SS3 student, contrary to school regulations. Mr Rotifa, the vice principal, confiscated the phone.
“On Thursday, the student’s mother came to the school to confront the management, resulting in the proprietor ordering the phone’s return, which was done. The student’s brother, an alumnus of the school, later harassed and threatened the vice principal.
“After school hours, the individuals were seen loitering nearby. The proprietor advised Mr Rotifa to report to the police station, where two officers escorted him in their van to locate the suspects, but they were unsuccessful.
“On their return, the suspects intercepted the police van, forcibly removed Mr Rotifa, and assaulted him. He was hospitalised but has since been discharged, though he has not returned home for fear of further attack.
“Investigations continue, and measures are being put in place to ensure the safety of staff and students for the remainder of the WAEC examinations.”
The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Olayinka Alayande, confirmed the incident and assured that the police command is managing the situation. He stated that the police commissioner has ordered the immediate arrest of those involved.
He added: “The Commissioner has deployed tactical teams and directed that all perpetrators be apprehended. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations is overseeing the operation to prevent further disturbances and ensure proper coordination.
“We urge law-abiding residents of Ondo State to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear, as the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are in control.”
