Tragedy struck at Soun High School, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, when a teacher, Mr. Fatai Adegoke, was beaten to death by his students for attempting to stop them from gambling during school hours.
Witnesses said the incident occurred when the teacher confronted a group of students who were gambling inside the classroom.
The confrontation reportedly turned violent as the students descended on him, inflicting severe injuries, including broken limbs.
Mr. Adegoke was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from the injuries he sustained.
A coalition of concerned educators described the late teacher as a disciplined and dedicated professional whose life was cut short in the line of duty.
“With deep pain and righteous indignation, we mourn the tragic and avoidable death of Mr. Fatai Adegoke, a teacher attacked by his own students while trying to stop them from gambling during school hours.
This act is not just an assault on one man, but an attack on the entire teaching profession,” the group said in a statement.
They urged the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), and security agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice, while also calling for parents of the culprits to be held accountable for their children’s actions.
The group lamented what it called a growing moral decay among students and a breakdown of discipline in schools, urging government and stakeholders to strengthen safety measures and moral education across public schools.
Efforts to reach the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso, for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
Meanwhile, sources said the students involved in the incident have gone into hiding, sparking outrage within the community and renewed calls for better protection of teachers in the course of their duties.