Lagos School Closed After Toddler Drowns In Swimming Pool, Investigation Underway

A Lagos school has been closed after a toddler drowned in the swimming pool and an investigation is underway.

Glamtush reports that the Lagos State Government has shut down a school where a two-year-old died following a swimming pool incident.

Rapheala Ogbodo’s mother had gone on social media to demand answers over her baby’s death, who was said to have drowned in the school’s swimming pool.

“Smiley School International, Sangotedo, Lagos Island, please, bring her back. We cannot bear this alone,” the bereaved mother wrote on her X handle with a photo of her daughter attached.

“Please, if you have your child in that school beware. They lied they were closed due to maintenance. I lost my Pinky Ella.”

Following her outcry, the Lagos State Safety Commission said its officials, the Office of Education Quality Assurance, and the Ministry of Education have visited the accident scene “to conduct a preliminary investigation and ascertain the root cause of the unfortunate incident.

The bereaved mother alleged that her daughter was electrocuted and not drowned as she was told.

She said the school’s pool has a high barricade to keep children away, wondering how a two-year-old could cross the barrier.

See the statement below:

SWIMMING POOL ACCIDENT: LASG SHUTS SCHOOL, COMMENCES INVESTIGATION

The attention of the Lagos State Safety Commission has been drawn to the swimming pool accident that occurred at Smiley Kids Montessori, Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, Lagos, on Wednesday, 15th January 2025, which led to the death of a two-year-old female, Rapheala Ogbodo.

The officials of the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Ministry of Education have visited the scene of the accident to carry out a preliminary investigation and ascertain the root cause of the unfortunate incident.

While the school is presently under lock pending further investigation, the state government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the victim and expresses its commitment to preventing future occurrences.

The Director-General of the Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, stated that all school owners and caregivers must comply with safety regulations to prevent accidents in the State.

Mojola further stated that further information would be made available upon completion of investigations into the accident.