The Lagos State government has shut down Chrisland Schools indefinitely amid allegation of rape.
A 10-year-old pupil of the school was said to have been raped by her schoolmates during a trip to Dubai.
The incident sparked outrage on social media, with many calling on government to act.
In a statement on Monday, the state Ministry of Education said investigation into the matter was ongoing.
The state government disclosed that the allegations of sexual violence involving students of Chrisland School are being investigated by the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Ministry of Education; Office of Education Quality Assurance; Ministry of Youth and Social Development; Ministry of Justice, and the Lagos State Domestic & Sexual Violence Agency.
The statement jointly signed by the MDAs, revealed that the criminal allegations had been escalated to the Commissioner of Police.
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“In view of the allegations, we are committed to ensuring that adequate medical and pscyho-social support is provided. This is to reassure members of the public of the State Government’s commitment to safety and child protection, especially in ensuring that all child-centered institutions within the state, formulate and implement policies and systems that are compliant with the Executive Order (No.EO/AA08 of 2016), Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Program.”
The State Government therefore reminded the general public that anyone who engages in any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving of a child commits an offence and is liable to custodial sentence of 14years. “This includes producing, distributing, receiving, or possessing an image of child pornography.”
Daily Trust had earlier contacted the school for its reaction to the incident.
A representative of the school had said who spoke over the phone had said, “Yes, this is Chrisland School. I am not permitted to speak on the issue. We will soon release an official statement. Thank you.” (Daily Trust)
