The death of a four-year-old pupil, Miguel Ovoke, under suspected distressing circumstances last week has forced his school to shut down.
The Abuja-based Brickhall School has shut down for a week. The school administration said this was to enable them mourn the loss of the pupil.
According to a medical report from Excel Specialist Hospital, where Miguel was rushed to, the child had choked on a piece of meat during a meal in the school premises. Despite the school nurse’s immediate efforts to provide life-saving assistance, Miguel’s condition upon arrival at the hospital was critical.
The report, signed by Dr. Akinwande Ajayi on behalf of the medical director, stated that Miguel exhibited nonreactive pupils, no detectable blood pressure, and a lack of cardiopulmonary activity, rendering the efforts to resuscitate him unsuccessful.
Consequently, the hospital declared him “Brought in Dead.”
In a statement released on Wednesday, the school management and the Parents Teacher’s Forum conveyed their profound sorrow and deepest condolences to Miguel’s family.
The statement reads, “We are devastated to report that Miguel tragically passed away on April 24, 2024, following a sad incident where he choked on a piece of meat offal from his meal brought from home, despite the immediate and expert care provided by our dedicated staff and certified school nurse.”
The school has taken the decision to suspend activities for a week to mourn the loss of the young pupil.
However, the school has urged all those affected by the tragedy to allow medical professionals and law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, including an autopsy, with respect and dignity for Miguel’s memory.
