A 12-year-old boy, Nathan Spencer, has tragically died after being swept away by floodwaters in Benin City on Saturday. The incident occurred along the Uselu-Ugbowo road during a heavy downpour that caused widespread flooding.
Spencer, a student at Future Leaders Academy, was on his way to Liberty Secondary School, his designated center for the Middle Basic Assessment Examination (also known as the First School Leaving Certificate Examination). Eyewitnesses reported that floodwaters had submerged sections of the road, creating dangerous conditions for pedestrians and commuters.
A video circulating online showed a man carrying Spencer’s lifeless body, with onlookers urging him to rush the boy to a hospital. The incident has sparked public criticism, with some questioning why the boy was allowed to travel to the examination center unaccompanied.
The tragedy has ignited concerns about flood preparedness in Edo State and the safety of schoolchildren during the rainy season. In response, the Edo State Government has taken swift action, withdrawing the operating licenses of two schools allegedly connected to the incident.
Dr. Paddy Iyamu, the State Commissioner of Education, announced the government’s decision during a condolence visit to Spencer’s family on Tuesday. He also stated that the headteacher of one of the schools had been arrested.
“The state government will ensure that those responsible for the pupil’s death are held accountable,” Iyamu stated, adding that Governor Monday Okpebholo was deeply saddened by the incident and had directed an immediate investigation.
Iyamu also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and not entrust them to individuals posing as school owners. The investigation is ongoing.
