Lagos Authorities Shuts Down School Following Two-Year-Old’s Tragic Passing

The Lagos State Government has ordered the closure of Smiley Kids Montessori, located at Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, following the tragic death of a two-year-old girl, Rapheala Ogbodo, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in a swimming pool accident.

The child’s mother took to X (formerly Twitter) to allege that her daughter was electrocuted, disputing reports that the two-year-old drowned in the swimming pool. She also shared a photo of the pool, which was barricaded, questioning how her daughter managed to bypass the barrier and access the pool.

In response, officials from the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Ministry of Education, visited the school to conduct a preliminary investigation and determine the root cause of the incident.

Expressing condolences to the grieving family, the Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict safety measures in schools to prevent such tragedies.

The Director-General of the Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, emphasized the need for all school owners and caregivers to comply with established safety regulations. He assured the public that further details would be provided once the investigation is concluded.