Lagos shuts down school after tragic drowning of two-year-old girl

The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Smiley Kids Montessori School, located in Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, following a tragic swimming pool accident that claimed the life of two-year-old Rapheala Ogbodo.

The closure was announced in a statement released via the state government’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, as authorities launched an investigation into the incident.

According to the statement, officials from the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Office of Education Quality Assurance under the Ministry of Education visited the school to uncover the circumstances leading to the fatal accident.

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“The attention of the Lagos State Safety Commission has been drawn to the swimming pool accident that occurred at Smiley Kids Montessori, Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, Lagos, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, which led to the death of a two-year-old female, Rapheala Ogbodo,” the statement read.

The school has been sealed off while investigations continue, and the state government expressed its condolences to the grieving family, pledging to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future.

Lanre Mojola, Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, emphasized the need for strict adherence to safety regulations by all school owners and caregivers. “This tragic loss is a painful reminder that we must prioritize the safety of children under our care. We will leave no stone unturned in investigating this incident and ensuring accountability,” Mojola said.

Ella, the mother of the deceased child, took to social media to demand justice, recounting her devastation. “I sent my daughter to school on Wednesday, and she didn’t come back alive,” she wrote, calling on authorities to ensure no family experiences such pain again.

The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to upholding safety standards in schools and stated that further updates would be provided upon the conclusion of investigations.