Teacher Arrested for Beating Pupil into Coma in Anambra
A 30-year-old teacher, Faith Nwonye, at Landmark School Mgbakwu in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been arrested for allegedly beating an 8-year-old pupil into a coma.
The incident was reported by the State Commissioner for Education, Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, during a press briefing on Monday, May 20, 2024. She announced that the school has been permanently shut down.
Chuma-Udeh explained that she had summoned the school’s proprietor and Nwonye to provide details about the incident. “We learned about this unfortunate event at an illegal school in Mgbakwu, where a child was beaten into a coma over the weekend. The State Government has called in the school’s proprietress and the teacher responsible,” she said.
The commissioner stated that the matter has been handed over to the police for further investigation while awaiting directives from the Governor. She emphasized that the school was operating illegally and warned parents against enrolling their children in such institutions. “Running an unapproved school in Anambra is a criminal offense,” she asserted.
Chuma-Udeh also condemned the act of beating a child, stating, “Whether the school is legal or not, it is criminal to beat a child. According to the doctor, the child’s chances of survival are 20%.”
She assured that the teacher would face legal consequences. “Once the police complete their investigation, the teacher will be subjected to further legal actions under child rights laws. She will face the full wrath of the law for her actions,” Chuma-Udeh added.
The commissioner concluded by reiterating the state’s stance against violence towards children, women, and others, emphasizing that such behavior is not tolerated by the current administration.
