President Muhammadu Buhari has promised a thorough investigation into the death of Sylvester Oromoni, a student of Dowen College, Lagos.
Oromoni, a 12-year-old boy, was alleged to have been attacked for refusing to join a cult group — a claim which the school has denied.
Three students have been arrested by the police over their alleged link to the incident, while the school premises has been sealed off.
Speaking on the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesperson, Buhari commiserated with the family.
“For several days now, the nation has been gripped by the news of the tragic incident at Dowen College, in Lagos with morbid details constantly emerging of how our young son, Sylvester Oromoni (Junior), met his death,” he said.
“I share the anger and grief up and down the country following this incident. On behalf of my family and I, and the government of the federation, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the Oromoni family, the government and people of Lagos State and give the firm assurance that this incident will be thoroughly investigated and the appropriate punishment meted out to all those who are culpable.”
According to the statement, Buhari also promised that anyone found culpable will face “appropriate punishment”.
“President Muhammadu Buhari condemns the killing of Sylvester, one of our bright youngsters doing excellently in school, bringing joy to the family and if this incident is truly arising from bullying or cultism, the President assures that it must act as a trigger leading to a permanent solution to this recurring problem,” the statement reads.
“The President urges the Police to continue the ongoing investigation until they get to the root of the matter in order for the law to take its course, assuring that justice will be done, no matter who is involved.”