The Parents’ Forum at Dowen College in the Lekki area of Lagos State has announced that a candlelight session will hold on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, in honour of the late student of the school, Sylvester Oromoni.
The parents, while expressing deep sadness over the unfortunate incident that led to the death of Oromoni, prayed for strength for the grieving family of the 12-year-old.
The father of the deceased boarding student had alleged that the Junior Secondary School 2 pupil died from the injuries sustained during an assault by five of his colleagues who wanted to initiate him into cultism but the school claimed he died after sustaining an injury during a football match.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, on Tuesday, said three students are currently in police custody for alleged assault while two are at large.
In a statement titled, ‘Sylvester Oromoni’s Death: Dowen College Parents Mourn’, the parents urged the school management and other stakeholders (students and parents directly or indirectly mentioned) to “fully cooperate with the authority in the ongoing investigation.”
“While we would have loved to bring Sylvester back if humanly possible, unravelling the cause of Sylvester’s death and bringing whoever was responsible or might have contributed in whatever way to book, will not only bring this unfortunate incident to closure for the family, but this will also serve as a deterrent to others in all schools in Nigeria.
“We, therefore, say justice for Sylvester, is justice for all.
“On our part as parents, we will work more closely with the school (management/board), to ensure necessary measures are put in place to prevent a reoccurrence of this unfortunate incident and stamp out bullying in any form from the school,” the statement added.
The parents said the candlelight event would hold on Wednesday by 6pm at Dowen College on 18, Adebayo Doherty Rd, Lekki, Lagos.
“The lighting of candles is to pay tribute to a life ‘passed’ and keeping the light burning signifies that the memory still lives on and burns bright.
“The Candlelight no doubt shall promote reflection and signifies remembrance of a life cut short in his infancy.
“We pray that the Almighty God shall comfort the Oromoni’s family during this trying period.”