The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the controversial death of 12-year-old Dowen College student, Sylvester Oromoni, who died after he was allegedly attacked by some of his seniors at school.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant, Garba Shehu, President Buhari emphasized that no one involved in late Sylvester’s alleged killing will be spared.
President Buhari in the statement stated that for several days now, the nation has been gripped by the news of the tragic incident at Dowen College, in Lagos with morbid details constantly emerging of how Sylvester Oromoni met his untimely death.
President Muhammadu Buhari in the statement condemning the killing of Sylvester, further described him as “one of our bright youngsters doing excellently in school and bringing joy to the family”. According to the President, if the death of Sylvester is truly arising from bullying or cultism, then “it must act as a trigger leading to a permanent solution to this recurring problem”.
Parts of the statement read: “I share the anger and grief up and down the country following this incident. On behalf of my family and I, and the government of the federation, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the Oromoni family, the government and people of Lagos State and give the firm assurance that this incident will be thoroughly investigated and the appropriate punishment meted out to all those who are culpable”.
The President then urged the Police to continue the ongoing investigation until they get to the root of the matter in order for the law to take its course. He also assured that justice will be served, no matter who is involved.
Dowen Parents Hold Candlelight Procession for Sylvester Oromoni
Members of the Dowen College parents’ forum held a candlelight procession in Lagos on Wednesday evening, December 8, 2021, in honor of Sylvester Oromoni. The parents who wore black tops with the inscription ”Dowen Parents mourn” expressed sadness over the death of Sylvester. They also demanded that the little boy gets justice.
One of the parents, Mrs Oluwaseun Ajila, who spoke on behalf of the parents, disclosed that most of them were traumatised by Oromoni Jnr’s death.
Mrs. Oluwaseun speaking to local media said: “I am in shock and I am gradually coming out of the shock considering that Sylvester and my daughter were mates and they entered Dowen College the same time the same year. My trauma has been that, it would have been anybody’s son or daughter. So, I just really want to put the message out there that you have not been able to hear our voice loud and clear earlier, it does not mean in any way that Dowen Parents support the act or event that happened”.
Another parent, who pleaded anonymity revealed that the recent incident exposed several internal issues going on in Dowen College and some have also considered pulling their children out of the school because they don’t know whether the school would be reopened anytime soon.
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