Rivers school shut down over toddler’s death

Thursday, April 16, 2026 - The Rivers State Government has suspended Wisdom Gate International School, located in Eligbolo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, over the death of a two-year-old girl.

Recall that the toddler, identified as Wynne Akekue, reportedly died from complications after a bookshelf fell on her while she was asleep in her classroom on March 17, 2026.

Her parents, Dr Iasuaka Akekue and Mrs Chinyerum Akekue, at a news briefing in Port Harcourt, recently demanded justice after accusing the school management of concealing information concerning their daughter’s demise.

However, the school, in a statement issued last Wednesday, denied the allegations, saying it was cooperating with relevant authorities, including the police, on the incident.

The State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, in a statement he personally signed and obtained by our correspondent on Thursday, said the suspension became necessary after interacting with the school management and conducting an independent investigation into the incident.

While sympathising with the parents of the deceased, the commissioner said the school would remain closed until all issues surrounding the incident are resolved.

The statement read in part: “The Rivers State Ministry of Education has carefully evaluated the tragic incident that occurred at one of our approved schools, Wisdom Gate International School, in Eligbolo, resulting in the death of a two-year-old girl on March 17, 2026.

“While we deeply sympathise with the parents of the child over this irreparable loss, and respect their privacy during this moment of grief, we appeal to members of the public to do the same and avoid speculations.

“As a Ministry, we have interfaced with the management of the school and conducted our own independent investigation into the incident.

“Consequently, Wisdom Gate International School, Campus 1, Eligbolo, is hereby suspended from operations and shall not resume academic activities until all issues surrounding the matter are fully resolved.

“The Ministry of Education remains committed to ensuring standard care, safety and sustainability while continuing to provide quality assurance in both public and private schools,” the statement added.