Ondo Vice Principal Beaten By Thugs Hired By Parent Of WAEC Student Caught Cheating

Ondo State Ministry of Education has launched an investigation into an attack on Mr. Rotifa, the Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College in Akure.

The assault reportedly happened after he stopped a student from cheating during the ongoing West African Examinations Council Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination.

It was gathered that Mr. Rotifa caught an SS3 student using an Android phone to cheat and seized the device.

The student later told his parents what happened, and they allegedly hired thugs to beat up the Vice Principal.

A source said that when the attackers showed up at the school, the police were called for help, but the thugs overpowered them, dragged Mr. Rotifa out of their vehicle, and beat him until he was nearly unconscious.

“When the hired thugs arrived at the school to attack the Vice Principal, the school called the police for assistance. However, the thugs overwhelmed the officers, dragged Mr Rotifa from their vehicle, and brutally assaulted him,” the source said, adding that the Vice Principal was later taken to a private hospital in Akure for treatment.

Reacting to the development, Ondo State Ministry of Education, through its Director of Schools, Mr. Dare Obajulaye, confirmed the incident and said a preliminary investigation had begun.

According to him, the incident started on May 26 when the phone was first found with the student, which goes against school rules.

The statement read: “The incident began on Monday, May 26, when an Android phone was found in the possession of an SS3 student, contrary to school regulations. Mr Rotifa, the Vice Principal, confiscated the phone.

“On Thursday, the student’s mother came to the school to confront the management, resulting in the proprietor ordering the phone’s return, which was done. The student’s brother, an alumnus of the school, later harassed and threatened the Vice Principal.

“After school hours, the individuals were seen loitering nearby. The proprietor advised Mr Rotifa to report to the police station, where two officers escorted him in their van to locate the suspects, but they were unsuccessful.

“On their return, the suspects intercepted the police van, forcibly removed Mr Rotifa, and assaulted him. He was hospitalised but has since been discharged, though he has not returned home for fear of further attack.

“Investigations continue, and measures are being put in place to ensure the safety of staff and students for the remainder of the WAEC examinations.”

Meanwhile, the state police spokesperson, Mr. Olayinka Alayande, confirmed the attack and said the Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate arrest of everyone involved.

Alayande said the tactical teams have been deployed, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police is now overseeing the operation.

He added: “The Commissioner has deployed tactical teams and directed that all perpetrators be apprehended. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations is overseeing the operation to prevent further disturbances and ensure proper coordination.

“We urge law-abiding residents of Ondo State to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear, as the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are in control.”

At the time of this report, no arrests had been made.

KanyiDaily recalls that a tragic incident recently unfolded in Ibadan on Tuesday morning when a WAEC candidate was killed by a stray bullet fired by a police officer during a high-speed chase.