Ogun Student Drowns, Teachers Beaten in School Riot
Violence broke out at Ilugun High School, Elega, Abeokuta, Ogun State, after students protested against alleged illegal fee collections by their teachers.
The protest escalated last Friday when school management reportedly invited operatives of the Amotekun Corps to disperse the students.
Witnesses said some of the students fled in panic, with three jumping into a nearby river. Two survived, but one, identified as Babalola, drowned. His body was recovered and buried the following day.
Anger over the tragedy boiled over on Monday, when students stormed back to the school, vandalizing classrooms and smashing windows in protest. A viral video showed students hurling stones and ripping off window frames in broad daylight.
The crisis stems from allegations of illegal levies, despite a 2019 directive by Governor Dapo Abiodun abolishing such payments in all public schools. Reports indicate that students at Ilugun High School were asked to pay as much as ₦7,500 each.
The Ogun State Government confirmed the incident, suspended both the junior and senior school principals, and is investigating the incident.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, admitted that the illegal fees triggered the unrest and introduced a Whistleblowers Scheme to monitor misconduct in schools.
Police have since restored order, but the incident has reignited concerns about student unrest, teacher safety, and the persistent problem of unlawful levies in public schools.
This tragedy is a reminder that every child has the right to life and education. Protecting that right means not only abolishing illegal fees but also ensuring that no child’s life is put at risk in the pursuit of learning.
