ABUJA, Nigeria – Brickhall School in Abuja has announced the heartbreaking death of four-year-old pupil Miguel Ovoke, who tragically choked on a piece of meat offal during a school meal.
The incident occurred on April 24, 2024, casting a sombre mood over the school community.
In a detailed statement released on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, the school expressed profound sorrow and deepest sympathy, noting that despite the swift action from their trained nurse and immediate medical intervention, Miguel’s life could not be saved.
“We are devastated to report that Miguel tragically passed away… despite the immediate and expert care provided by our dedicated staff and certified school nurse,” the school stated.
To honour Miguel’s memory, Brickhall School has decided to close its doors for one week, giving the school community time to mourn and reflect on this significant loss.
This decision comes after pressure from human rights activists, who held demonstrations at the school gate.
View this post on Instagram
The school also held an urgent meeting with the school community on the day of the incident to address the tragedy and plan their response.
The school’s management and the Parents Teacher’s Forum have been actively involved, offering support to Miguel’s grieving family and ensuring a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
“The leadership of both the school and the Parents Teacher’s Forum has personally visited Miguel’s family to offer our support and condolences during this indescribably difficult time,” the school shared.
As classes resume, particularly for students preparing for their Senior and Junior School Certificate examinations, Brickhall School reaffirmed its commitment to the well-being and education of all its students.
They emphasised that their staff are trained in emergency procedures and first aid, and that the licensed school nurse followed all procedures correctly.
Brickhall School has promised to maintain transparency with their community and to cooperate with medical professionals and law enforcement as they work to ascertain the cause of death.
They respectfully urged everyone connected to the tragedy to honour Miguel’s memory with dignity and peace.
This tragic event has left the school community in mourning, reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of supportive and responsive care in emergency situations.
The loss of Miguel Ovoke is a profound one, deeply felt across the Brickhall School family and beyond, the statement read.
