Teacher arrested for ‘beating 8-year-old pupil to coma’ in Anambra

Faith Nwonye, a teacher at Landmark School, Mgbakwu, in Awka North LGA of Anambra state, has been arrested for allegedly beating an eight-year-old pupil to a coma.

The 30-year-old teacher was said to have physically abused the primary 2 pupil over the weekend.

Speaking with journalists on Monday, Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the state commissioner for education, said the school’s proprietor and Nwonye were summoned to explain the incident that led to the alleged brutalisation of the pupil.

The commissioner said the school was also found to be operating illegally, adding that it has been closed indefinitely.

Chuma-Udeh disclosed that the pupil is currently receiving medical care. She said the child’s “chances of survival are 20 percent, according to the doctor’s report”.

She said the incident has been reported to the police for investigation, adding that the teacher will be prosecuted for her actions.

“We received this unfortunate incident from an illegal school in Mgbakwu that a child was beaten to a coma over the weekend,” she said.

“On behalf of the state government, we invited the proprietress of the illegal school as well as the teacher who purportedly beat the child.

“We have handed the matter to the police for further investigations, as we await Mr Governor’s directives.

“Meanwhile, the school is closed down indefinitely because it is not supposed to exist in the first instance.

“Whether the school is legal or not, it is criminal to beat a child. According to the doctor, the chances of survival of the child is 20 percent.

“As soon as the Police are done, the teacher will face other institutions against child rights. She’s going to have the full wrath of the law brought upon her over her actions.

“Anambra State abhors violence to children, women, and any other person.”

Efforts by TheCable Lifestyle to get Ikenganyia Anthony, Anambra police spokesperson, to comment on the matter did not materialise — as of the time of this report.