A wave of sorrow swept through the community of Adanta in Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, as the remains of 10-year-old Miss Emmanuella Okeimiebi Dimabo Anosike were laid to rest on Monday, June 2, 2025. Emmanuella, a boarding student at the Federal Government College (FGC), Ahoada, reportedly died from electrocution while in her school hostel.
Her untimely death has left the community in shock and her family devastated, struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss. Described by many as a bright, brilliant, and God-fearing child, Emmanuella was known for leading morning devotions at her school. Her life, many said, was cut short due to what is being described as negligence on the part of the school authorities.
The atmosphere at the burial was heavy with grief. Mourners spoke in hushed tones as family, friends, and well-wishers gathered to pay their last respects. Loud wails echoed through the air as Emmanuella’s body was lowered into the ground following a solemn funeral service.
Speaking during the burial, her grieving mother, Mrs. Boma Amadi, said her daughter died from an electric shock caused by an exposed cable in the hostel that had reportedly been left unrepaired by the school. “One of the students who survived and was taken to the hospital told me that my daughter was electrocuted in their room.
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When she pressed for details, she was told that students had been rushed to the hospital due to either electric shock or snake bite conflicting reports that only heightened her anxiety. Upon arriving at Zion Medical Clinic, where the students had been taken, she was informed that her daughter had died.
Shocked and heartbroken, the family demanded answers from the school and urged the authorities to file an official report with the police. According to Mrs. Amadi, the school’s slow response and lack of clear communication angered the family. It was only after the family insisted that the matter be formally reported that the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) got involved.
The case also drew the attention of the Federal Ministry of Education, which dispatched a delegation to investigate. Mrs. Amadi further stated that the school did not offer the family any compensation but did take responsibility for the burial expenses and extended their apologies.
When asked why the family did not pursue legal action, she said they chose not to delay their daughter’s burial or go through an emotionally draining legal process. “We’ve left everything in the hands of God,” she said.
The tragic loss of Emmanuella has reignited concerns over safety standards in Nigerian boarding schools and the need for urgent reforms to protect students from preventable accidents.
