The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Adeola Adeyemo, a student-teacher, following an unfortunate incident that resulted in an 11-year-old pupil losing her right eye.
The injured pupil, Alao Idera, is a primary six student at Owiwi Nursery and Primary School in the Obada Oko area of the state. Adeyemo, a final-year student at Tai Solarin University of Education, was on teaching practice at the school when the incident occurred.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, the incident happened while Adeyemo was holding a cane in preparation for an end-of-year party. Reports indicate that a group of pupils approached her, and the cane accidentally pierced Idera’s eye.
The pupil was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, where surgeons were forced to remove her right eye due to the severity of the injury.
Odutola clarified that the incident was unintentional, stating:
“The teacher did not flog the student, nor was there any wrongdoing on the part of the child. It was a tragic accident.”
The trauma of the incident reportedly led Adeyemo to attempt suicide, but she was rushed to the hospital and is now in stable condition.
Police have arrested Adeyemo, and investigations into the incident are ongoing. Meanwhile, the state education authorities are expected to review safety measures in schools to prevent similar occurrences.