Outrage as 2-Year-Old Dies in Rivers School: Family Demands Justice, Alleges Cover-Up and Police Bias

Grief and anger have engulfed a family in Rivers State after the tragic death of two-year-old Winnie Akakue at Wisdom Gate International School, with her parents now demanding answers and accusing authorities of mishandling the investigation.

The incident, which occurred on March 17, 2026, has sparked widespread public concern, as conflicting accounts and serious allegations continue to surround the circumstances of the toddler’s death.

Winnie’s father, Dr Iasuaka Akakue, said the school informed them that their daughter had been asleep in class when a bookshelf allegedly collapsed on her. A preliminary briefing from a pathologist, he added, suggested she suffered a fractured skull.

He raised alarm over how the situation was handled, claiming the family was only contacted after the child had already been taken to two medical facilities. At the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, doctors reportedly confirmed she was brought in dead.

The father also alleged that the scene of the incident was altered before any independent review could take place, claiming the bookshelf was moved and the area cleaned. He further accused unnamed individuals of pressuring the family to accept a quick burial and an out-of-court settlement.

“We want justice for our daughter,” he said, expressing fears about his safety and insisting that no thorough investigation had been carried out. He also disputed claims that the family failed to request an autopsy report, stating they were told they would be contacted once it was ready.

Winnie’s mother, Mrs Chinyere Akakue, described a heartbreaking sequence of events, saying she initially believed her child was still alive based on a phone call from the school. That hope quickly vanished when she arrived and found her daughter unresponsive.

“I looked at her, I felt her, she was already cold,” she said, recounting the moment she realised her child was gone. She added that the loss has deeply affected the entire family, especially Winnie’s siblings, who are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

Legal practitioner and activist Chetam Nwala has called for decisive action, urging authorities to shut down the school pending a full and transparent investigation into the incident.

In response, the management of the school expressed condolences and described the incident as deeply tragic. It maintained that immediate medical attention was sought and that it has cooperated fully with investigators while reviewing its internal safety procedures.

The Rivers State Government has since ordered the immediate closure of the school, with the Ministry of Education confirming that it will remain shut until all concerns are addressed. Commissioner for Education, Peters Nwagor, said the government is committed to enforcing strict safety standards.

Despite the closure, the school’s management and some parents have appealed for reopening, citing the disruption to pupils and families. The proprietress, Toyon Obikoya, acknowledged the government’s authority but urged compassion, saying many families are struggling with the sudden halt in academic activities.

As investigations continue, the case has become a flashpoint for broader concerns about child safety in schools, accountability, and the integrity of the justice process. For Winnie’s family, however, the focus remains unchanged — finding out exactly what happened and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.