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 announcement, made on Saturday via the Lagos State Government’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, revealed that officials from the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Office of Education Quality Assurance, under the Ministry of Education, had visited the school to conduct a preliminary investigation.
According to the government, the school was sealed off to facilitate a thorough probe into the incident and to identify potential lapses in safety measures.
A statement released by the Safety Commission read: “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, 15th January 2025, which led to the death of a two-year-old female, Rapheala Ogbodo.”
The statement further expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, emphasizing the state’s commitment to preventing similar tragedies.
“While the school is presently under lock pending further investigation, the state government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the victim and expresses its commitment to ensuring the safety of children across schools in Lagos.”
Director-General of the Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, highlighted the importance of compliance with safety regulations, particularly in schools and childcare facilities.
He urged school owners and caregivers to prioritize child safety and adhere strictly to established guidelines.
The grieving mother, identified as Ella, earlier called for justice, recounting the painful loss of her daughter. Speaking to PUNCH, she explained that her two-year-old left for school on Wednesday but never returned alive.
As the investigation continues, Mojola assured the public that further details about the incident and steps to prevent future occurrences would be disclosed upon the completion of the probe.
This heartbreaking incident has sparked widespread concern, with many urging stricter enforcement of safety regulations in schools to protect the lives of young children.
[punch]