A tragic incident has claimed the life of 12-year-old Nathan Spencer, who was swept away by floodwaters while on his way to take the Middle Basic Assessment Examination in Benin, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday along the Uselu-Ugbowo Road during a heavy rainfall that caused severe flooding in various areas of the city.
Spencer, a student of Future Leaders Academy in Benin, was said to be en route to Liberty Secondary School in Uselu — his designated centre for the First School Leaving Certificate Examination — when the tragedy occurred.
Eyewitnesses recounted that parts of the road were completely submerged by floodwaters, making it dangerous for both pedestrians and motorists.
A video that has since gone viral online shows a man carrying the boy’s lifeless body on his shoulders while bystanders urged him to get the child to a hospital urgently.
In the footage, some onlookers also blamed the boy’s parents for allowing him to journey alone to the exam venue.
The incident has reignited concerns over the government’s flood response strategy and the safety of children, particularly during the rainy season.
Reacting to the development, the Edo State Government announced the revocation of the operating licences of two schools linked to the incident.
Dr Paddy Iyamu, the Commissioner for Education, disclosed this on Tuesday during a condolence visit to the family of the deceased.
“The state government will ensure that those responsible for the pupil’s death are held accountable.
“The principal is in police detention,” he said.
Iyamu explained that the headteacher of one of the schools had already been arrested and that Governor Monday Okpebholo had personally ordered the visit out of deep concern over the death.
“The state government will ensure that those responsible for the pupil’s death are held accountable.
“The principal is in police detention,” he said.
He further advised parents to be more vigilant and avoid entrusting their children to individuals posing as legitimate school owners.
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