A Vice Principal at Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, in Ondo State, was reportedly assaulted by suspected thugs allegedly hired by the parent of a student caught attempting to cheat during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The victim, Mr. Rotifa, was said to have confiscated an Android phone from a Senior Secondary School 3 student during an exam on May 26, in accordance with school regulations prohibiting mobile phones in exam halls.
According to a preliminary report from the Ondo State Ministry of Education, compiled by the Director of Schools, the student’s mother later visited the school and caused a commotion, demanding the return of the seized phone.
The school’s proprietor eventually instructed staff to hand the phone back to her in a bid to de-escalate the situation.
Subsequently, the student’s older brother—an alumnus of the school—allegedly visited the premises and threatened Mr. Rotifa. The threats prompted the school to advise the Vice Principal to report the incident to the police.
Two officers accompanied Mr. Rotifa in a patrol van to locate the suspects. However, on their return trip, the group of boys reportedly ambushed the police vehicle, forcibly removed the Vice Principal, and physically assaulted him.
He was later taken to a hospital for treatment and has since been discharged.
However, due to safety concerns, he has avoided returning home.
The report also noted that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Authorities are also making security arrangements to ensure the safety of students and staff for the remainder of the WASSCE.
Efforts to reach the school’s principal for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report.