By By Muminat Ajide and Ghazali Ibrahim
Stella Nwadigbo, a teacher at Christ-Mitots School in Ikorodu, has been arrested by the Lagos State Government following the release of a disturbing viral video showing her physically abusing a 3-year-old pupil, Abayomi Micheal.
The shocking footage, which surfaced on social media, shows Nwadigbo roughly handling the young child, raising serious concerns about child safety in educational institutions.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with many calling for immediate justice and stronger safeguards to protect children in schools.
In a swift response, the Lagos State Government acted promptly to address the matter, leading to Nwadigbo’s arrest by the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) which she was later transfer to Imota Police station.
Also, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has responded to the disturbing incident. Through an announcement on their official X page, they expressed gratitude to those who brought the footage to their attention.
The DSVA stated, “We appreciate everyone who brought the disturbing incident of a teacher who was recorded physically abusing a 3-year-old boy to our attention. We are pleased to inform the public that the teacher in question has been arrested by Owutu FSU, and an investigation has commenced in earnest.”
The statement continues, “Indeed, institutions of learning should be safe, warm, and protective environments for all children in their care. The State Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every child by enforcing strict regulations, holding offenders accountable, and working with stakeholders to promote a zero-tolerance policy for abuse in any form.”
Earlier, Blackbox Nigeria had reported on the incident, shedding light on the viral footage that had sparked widespread outrage and prompted authorities to take action.
The video, reportedly captured by a fellow teacher at the school, shows the young child being physically restrained and handled in a manner that has left many in shock is contradicted to the provisions of Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy— a law made by the Lagos State House of Assembly during Babatunde Raji Fashola tenure.
Recall that In 2022, the Lagos State Government, led by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, officially announced the ban on all forms of corporal punishment in public schools. This decision continues the policy initiated during former Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration, which aimed to eliminate corporal punishment and promote positive reinforcement of behavior in the classroom.
