Mr. Rotifa, the Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, was brutally assaulted by suspected thugs allegedly hired by the mother of a student after he confiscated the student’s phone for attempting to cheat during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The incident began on May 26 when Mr. Rotifa discovered an Android phone with an SS3 student, Wisdom Elisa, during the exam, which is strictly against school rules. The Vice Principal seized the phone to prevent cheating, drawing the ire of the student’s mother. She reportedly threatened the school authorities, insisting her son be allowed to use the phone in the forthcoming mathematics exam.
Despite the Vice Principal’s firm stance against cheating, the mother’s brother, a former student of the school, later harassed and threatened Mr. Rotifa. Following this, suspected thugs loitered around the school after hours. On the advice of the school proprietor, Mr. Rotifa went to the police station with officers to report the matter and search for the culprits. However, on their return, the thugs intercepted the police van, dragged Mr. Rotifa out, and violently beat him.
Mr. Rotifa was rushed to St. John and Mary Hospital, Odokoyi, for treatment. Though discharged, he has not returned home due to fears for his safety. The school staff remain anxious about further attacks amid ongoing threats from the student’s family.
The Ondo State Ministry of Education has condemned the attack and assured the public that investigations are ongoing, with efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. The government has also promised enhanced security measures to protect staff and students for the remainder of the WASSCE period.
The school principal confirmed the assault but declined further comments. Meanwhile, the police have launched a manhunt for the attackers.
