Okowa: Those behind death of Dowen College student must be punished

Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta, has reacted to the death of Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, the 12-year-old student of Dowen College in Lekki, Lagos.

The student was alleged to have been attacked by “some senior colleagues” for refusing to join a cult group.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Okowa vowed that his administration will ensure the student, who is from Warri south LGA in Delta, gets justice.

The governor disclosed that he spoke with the father of the late student on Friday and assured him of his readiness to pursue the case till the perpetrators are brought to book.

Okowa also backed the decision of the Lagos state government to shut down the school.

“Last night, I spoke to Mr. Sylvester Oromoni, the father of late Sylvester Oromoni Jr., the Dowen College student who unfortunately died under very controversial and unclear circumstances,” he wrote.

“During the call, I expressed my agreement with the decision of the Lagos State government to launch an investigation into the death of Sylvester, a native of Warri South LGA in Delta State.

“As a government that places priority on the lives of our citizens within and outside the state, we are determined to pursue this case to the end. The matter must be investigated, perpetrators apprehended, punished, and made an example of, to serve as a very strong deterrence against future occurrences.

“As we continue to watch this case closely, we extend our prayers and support to the Oromoni family. As they mourn the loss of their young son, I pray that Almighty God gives them the strength that they need at this difficult time.”

The student’s father had earlier told TheCable Lifestyle that his child was beaten and fed with liquid substance.

But the school had earlier dismissed the claim, alleging that he only sustained injuries while playing football with his colleagues.