Grief-stricken parents of a two-year-old girl, Ella, are seeking justice following the tragic death of their daughter at Smiley School International, Sangotedo, Lagos Island, on January 15, 2025.
The parents allege negligence and deception on the part of the school, calling for urgent intervention from the Lagos State Government.
In an emotional plea, the family revealed their daughter left home healthy to attend school but never returned alive.
“Our daughter of 2 years old went to school yesterday and did not return alive,” the parents said.
The school initially claimed the child drowned in the pool, but the parents dispute this explanation, alleging a cover-up. “They lied she drowned in the pool, but we have been able to find out it’s electrocution, and they dropped her in the pool to make it look as if it was drowning,” the parents alleged.
The family also raised critical questions about the safety measures at the school. “How do you have a pool in school premises without proper monitoring? The pool has barricades—how can a child of 2 years climb?” they questioned.
Adding to their anguish, the parents accused the school of misleading other parents. “They are lying to other parents that the school is closed because of maintenance instead of telling the truth,” they said.
Ella, who recently celebrated her second birthday in November, tragically lost her life under circumstances her parents describe as preventable. “She just celebrated her 2-year birthday last November, left home well for school on ?15/1/2024, and never came back alive,” the parents lamented.
The grieving family urged the Lagos State Government to take immediate action, warning that other families could face similar tragedies if the school remains operational. “If nothing is done to close down that school, other parents may cry for their own kids attending the school,” they said.
The parents also issued a warning to families whose children are enrolled in Smiley School International. “Please, if you have your child in that school, be aware—they lied that they are closed due to maintenance,” they stated.
Their final plea was a heartbreaking request for support: “Please help us get justice for our baby. We can’t bear this alone. I lost my pinky Ella.”
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