Outrage has trailed the tragic death of a 12-year-old student of the Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, following allegations of fatal bullying by a senior student.
The victim, UfokObong Edwin Godwin, reportedly died in the early hours of Sunday, April 5, 2026, Easter Sunday, after an alleged assault that has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over student safety in Nigerian boarding schools.
According to reports, the incident began when a senior student allegedly demanded provisions from the deceased. Upon refusal, the junior student was said to have been violently attacked, sustaining a severe blow to the neck that caused him to collapse and slip into a coma. He later died from the injuries.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, in a strongly worded statement, described the incident as “barbaric” and indicative of a dangerous culture of unchecked violence within the school system.
The Union faulted the school authorities, stating that the tragedy points to a serious breakdown in supervision, discipline, and duty of care under the leadership of the school principal, warning that schools must not become “arenas of fear, oppression, and life-threatening violence.”
Endorsed by Comrade Nsibiet John and Nsikak Esenowo, Chairman and secretary of the Union, respectively, the statement expressed solidarity with the bereaved family, noting that the deceased’s mother, a member of the Union, has been left devastated by the loss.
Calling for urgent action, the body urged the Akwa Ibom State Government, education authorities, and security agencies to launch a thorough and transparent investigation, insisting that all those found responsible must be held accountable.
“This matter must not be swept under the carpet. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done”, the statement emphasised.
The incident has reignited national conversations around bullying, student welfare, and accountability in Nigeria’s federal unity colleges, with growing calls for systemic reforms to prevent further tragedies.
