Awka—A primary school teacher, Miss Rita Odilinye, in one of the private schools in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, reportedly died during a scuffle with a parent of one of her pupils, who she allegedly flogged for not sweeping the class.
A source in the school said the teacher had reported in school only to discover that her class was not swept and on inquiry, she was told that one of the pupils (names withheld) was supposed to have swept the class, according to the roster.
The source said: “When the late teacher queried the student, her response angered the teacher, who then flogged her.
“As she was being flogged, she ran out of the class and scaled the school fence since the gate was locked. She made straight home and told her mother that she was flogged by her teacher for not sweeping the classroom.
“Furiously, the mother came to the school armed with sticks, accompanied by her daughter and one other person.
“On getting to the school, the mother did not see the teacher who was said to have gone out to attend a meeting of private schools administrators.
“Efforts made by other teachers in the school to calm the aggrieved persons and allow the school authorities to handle the case fell on deaf ears.”
According to the source, as the aggrieved persons saw the teacher at the entrance of the school gate, returning from the meeting, they confronted her and during the ensuing scuffle, she slumped.
It was gathered that she was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was confirmed dead.
The Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area, Mr. Mark Ijarafu, who confirmed the incident, said an investigation into the matter had begun.
He said: “We have arrested the mother, the daughter and one other person. The corpse of the teacher has been deposited at Iyi-Enu Hospital mortuary and investigation is ongoing.”
