"Withdraw Your Children" - Abia State Govt Says As It Shuts Down Emerald School | READ MORE

Recall that a pupil identified as Master David Jacob Etim fell down from the school's storey-building and died.

According to a press release issued on October 31, by the Honourable commissioner for Education in the state, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, investigations showed that the school was operating below the stipulated standards set for the operation of private schools in the State.

The ministry advised Parents and guardians to withdraw their wards from the school without further delay.

"While the Ministry regrets any Inconvenience this may cause parents, it will continue to shoulder its responsibility of upholding the welfare and safety of Abia children as a top priority.

Any illegal attempt by any individual or group to reopen the school will attract the full wrath of the government" the statement added.

A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the Abia Command, ASP Maureen Chinaka, on the pupil's death had read;

"On the 17th of October 2023, at approximately 2000hrs, a case was reported at the Ndiegoro divisional headquarters by Mr. Jacob Etim Udo, accompanied by two others. Mr. Udo reported the tragic incident involving his son, David Jacob Etim, a 3-year-old pupil of Emerald International School located near Crystal Park Road, Aba.

"According to Mr. Udo, his son fell from the school's storey building and was immediately rushed to the hospital. Despite all efforts, the child tragically lost his life.

"The child's body has been placed under autopsy as part of our ongoing investigation. This case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive and discreet inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident.

Interrogations with the school authorities are currently in progressÔÇØ.