Abuja School shuts For One Week over death of Four-Year-Old Pupil

The Brickhall School, Abuja, has decided to close for one week to mourn Miguel Ovoke, the four-year-old pupil who died “while feeding.”

According to the statement by the management on Wednesday, Brickhall School regretted its failure to save Ovoke despite its efforts.

Recall that the four-year-old was declared dead by Excel Specialist Hospital, Abuja, “on account of aspiration on meat while feeding at school.”

The medical report, signed by Dr. Akinwande Ajayi, on behalf of the medical director, disclosed that Ovoke’s pupils were fixed and dilated when rushed to the hospital.

It also said upon examination, the medical team found that his pupils were in a nonreactive response to light.

His peripheral pulses were said to be “impalpable, blood pressure was unrecordable, and there was no cardiopulmonary activity or respiratory excursions.”

The report added that all efforts of the medical team to resuscitate him failed, signifying that Ovoke was “Brought in Dead.”

In a statement signed by its management, the school urged everyone connected to the tragedy to respect Miguel’s memory with dignity and peace while allowing medical professionals and law enforcement agencies to conclude with the autopsy.

The statement read, “It is with profound sorrow and deepest sympathy that we at Brickhall School, Management, and the Parents Teacher’s Forum express our heartfelt condolences to the family of our dearly beloved pupil, Miguel Ovoke.

“We are devastated to report that Miguel tragically passed away on April 24, 2024, following a sad incident where he choked on a piece of meat offal from his meal brought from home, despite the immediate and expert care provided by our dedicated staff and certified school nurse.

“In response to this heart-wrenching event, we convened an urgent meeting with our school community on the day of the incident.

“Out of respect for Miguel’s memory and to honour his bright spirit, we suspended classes for over a week, allowing our community time to mourn and reflect on this profound loss.”