Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) yesterday confirmed the arrest of a primary teacher, Ms Stella Nwadigo seen in a viral video assaulting a three-year-old boy, Abayomi Michael, a pupil of a private school, Christ-Mitots School at Isawo in Ikorodu area of the state.
Nwadigo was seen in the viral video shared on Twitter now X, slapping the three-year-old pupil in his school uniform while dictating what to write for the boy.
The video sparked reactions from various quarters, including non-governmental organisations as well as government agencies.
DSVA has however confirmed that the teacher has been arrested by the state’s Family Support Unit (FSU) and an investigation commenced by Owutu FSU.
FSU is a team of trained police officers who provide emotional report support safety planning and referrals to other resources and services for victims of gender-based violence including domestic violence, sexual assault and child welfare concerns.
According to DSVA, “We are pleased to inform the public that the teacher in question has been arrested by Owutu FSU, and an investigation has commenced in earnest.
“Indeed, institutions of learning should be safe, warm, and protective environments for all children in their care. The State Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every child by enforcing strict regulations, holding offenders accountable, and working with stakeholders to promote a zero-tolerance policy for abuse in any form.”
The agency, therefore, urged the public not to hesitate to report similar incidents.
“If you have additional information about this case or similar incidents, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via our toll-free hotline: 08000 333 333 or send a direct message on our social media platforms.
“This initiative serves as a preventive tool to help parents protect their children from various forms of abuse, including physical and sexual abuse, bullying, and more,” it added.
The Guardian learnt that the pupil has been taken to the hospital while the alleged perpetrator is cooling off in the cell and that the case will be charged to court .
Reacting, the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Advocates For Children and Vulnerable Persons Network (ACVPN), Mr Ebenezer Omejalile, condemned the teacher’s act.
He said that the perpetrator should face the wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others, urging the Lagos State Ministry of Education through the quality Assurance department to move in as swiftly as possible
He said: “This is the highest form of child cruelty by a supposed childminder by an animal in human skin. This sort of cruelty attracts so many consequences.
The perpetrator has not only physically assaulted the child but has dehumanized the child in totality, going by several slaps on the right ear may damage the child’s eardrum, which can lead to deafness unwarranted.”
