Teacher Arrested For Assaulting 3-Year-Old Pupil In Lagos School

A teacher at Christ-Mitots International School in Isawo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael, during a lesson.

Naija News had reported that the incident occurred after the child failed to follow instructions while attempting to write.

A video of the incident, which surfaced online, shows the teacher, identified as Stella Nwadigo, repeatedly slapping the young pupil while instructing him to write the number six.

The disturbing footage quickly went viral, sparking widespread outrage among Nigerians, who have called for a thorough investigation into both the teacher’s actions and the school’s role.

Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVVA), Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, confirmed the teacher’s arrest in a phone interview with The Punch on Wednesday, stating that the matter was being handled by the authorities.

“The teacher has been arrested and is currently in police custody. The police will commence an investigation, and we hope she will be charged in court after the outcome of their findings,” she said.

The Lagos State Ministry of Education also confirmed that the incident had been forwarded to the relevant departments for further investigation.

Chief Operating Officer at the Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network, Ebenezer Omejalile, told PUNCH Metro that the pupil had been hospitalized due to the assault.

He condemned the act as “the highest form of child cruelty,” noting the severe physical and emotional impact the attack could have on the child.

Omejalile also stressed the need for a comprehensive intervention plan, including a medical examination and psychological support for the victim.

He said, “The perpetrator has been arrested, while the pupil has been taken to the hospital. I’m here at the FSU with Supol Bola; the perpetrator is cooling off in the cell, and the case will be charged to court. This is the highest form of child cruelty by a supposed childminder by an animal in human skin. This sort of cruelty attracts so many consequences.

“The perpetrator has not only physically assaulted the child but has dehumanised the child in totality, going by several slaps on the right ear that may damage the child’s eardrum, which can lead to deafness unwarranted.”

He called for swift action from the Lagos State Ministry of Education to assess the extent of abuse the teacher may have inflicted on other students.

“The perpetrator should face the wrath of the law so that she will serve as a deterrent to others. Lastly, I expect the Lagos State Ministry of Education, through the Quality Assurance Department, to move in as swiftly as possible. And a one-on-one interaction should be carried out on the pupils to know how many pupils the monster has subjected to this cruelty,” he added.

In a statement, Vivour-Adeniyi assured the public that a full investigation had been launched and that the teacher was in police custody.

She reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring the safety of children within educational institutions and emphasized that any form of abuse would not be tolerated.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency also urged anyone with information about the case to contact their toll-free hotline or reach out through social media channels.

They reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to enforcing strict regulations and promoting a zero-tolerance policy for abuse in schools.

“Contact us through our toll-free hotline or send a direct message on our social media platforms.

“Indeed, institutions of learning should be safe, warm, and protective environments for all children in their care.

“The state government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every child by enforcing strict regulations, holding offenders accountable, and working with stakeholders to promote a zero-tolerance policy for abuse in any form,” the agency added.