The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Smiley Kids Montessori School, located in Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, following a tragic swimming pool accident that claimed the life of a two-year-old girl, Rapheala Ogbodo.
The government announced the closure in a statement shared on its X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, confirming that investigations have been launched into the incident.
According to the statement, officials from the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Office of Education Quality Assurance under the Ministry of Education visited the school to determine the circumstances leading to the fatal accident.
“The attention of the Lagos State Safety Commission has been drawn to the swimming pool accident that occurred at Smiley Kids Montessori, Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, Lagos, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, which led to the death of a two-year-old female, Rapheala Ogbodo,” the statement read.
The school has been sealed off pending the conclusion of investigations. The state government expressed its condolences to the grieving family and pledged to ensure measures are put in place to prevent similar tragedies.
Lanre Mojola, Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, emphasized the importance of adhering to safety regulations.
“This tragic loss is a painful reminder that we must prioritize the safety of children under our care. We will leave no stone unturned in investigating this incident and ensuring accountability,” Mojola said.
Meanwhile, Ella Ogbodo, the child’s mother, has taken to social media to demand justice and share her heartbreak. “I sent my daughter to school on Wednesday, and she didn’t come back alive,” she wrote.
