By Uche Amunike
The Parents Forum of Dowen College, Lagos State has currently held a candlelight procession in honour of the late 12 year old Sylvester Oromoni Jnr who died from complications arising from the severe beating allegedly received from senior students of the aforementioned School.
During the procession, the parents adorned themselves with black T-shirts with the inscription, ‘Dowen Parents Mourn’ and rendered solemn hymns even as they displayed placards that had the photographs of Sylvester Oromoni Jnr.
As they commenced the candlelight procession, the parents in a statement issued on Tuesday, explained that the essence of the candle light was to show respect to a life ‘passed’, just as keeping the light burning signified that the memory of Sylvester Oromoni junior still lives on and burns bright.
Hear them: ‘The Candlelight no doubt shall promote reflection and signifies remembrance of a life cut short in his infancy’.
‘We pray that the Almighty God shall comfort the Oromoni’s family during this trying period’.
Recall that some protesters barricaded the entrance of Dowen College gate in protest against the circumstances surrounding the death of the 12year old. In the meantime, over 100,000 persons have signed a petition under change.org platform moving for the arrest of those who have been fingered to be involved in Sylvester’s death and their immediate prosecution.
A video released by BBC pidgin on Wednesday also showed protesters in front of the college, demanding the school authorities to be held accountable for failing to protect Sylvester Oromoni Junior, and urged security agencies so do their best in bringing the perpetrators to book.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on his part, described the tragic incident as heartbreaking and disturbing while assuring the Oromoni family and indeed, Nigerians, of his administration’s interest and commitment in ensuring that Sylvester Oromoni Jnr gets the justice he deserves.
Hear him: ‘I commiserate deeply with the family of late Sylvester (Jnr) Oromoni, the 12-year old pupil of Dowen College, Lagos,” he wrote.
‘As a parent, I share the grief Sylvester’s demise has brought upon his parents and the entire household. The incident is not only sad but disturbing and heartbreaking’.
‘Consequently, I have ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter. But while that is going on, I would like to give Sylvester’s parents and the entire citizenry of Lagos, the assurance of my full support at this trying time’.
‘I share their pains and sense of loss. Indeed, words are inadequate to describe my feelings, but I pray that God Almighty will soothe their pains, and grant Sylvester Jnr eternal rest.’
On his part, President Muhammadu Buhari tasked the police to be relentless in the ongoing investigation until they get to the root of the cause of Sylvester junior’s death and ensure that justice is done no matter who is involved.
His words: ‘On behalf of my family and I, and the government of the federation, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the Oromoni family, the government and people of Lagos State and give the firm assurance that this incident will be thoroughly investigated and the appropriate punishment meted out to all those who are culpable’.
‘If this incident is truly arising from bullying or cultism, the President assures that it must act as a trigger leading to a permanent solution to this recurring problem.’
