An 11-year-old student of the Patterson Memorial Grammar School, Awada, Onitsha, Anambra State, Chigozie Anyichie, lost his life in a fire outbreak on Sunday.
The news was confirmed by Mohammed Haruna, who is the spokesperson of the State Police Command.
Haruna said that the State Commissioner of Police, Mr John Abang, sympathized with the family of the boy and has also launched a thorough investigation into the incident.
According to Haruna, the incident was reported by the Principal of the school, Rev. Cajetan Anuforo. The fire outbreak occurred in a section of the dormitory while the students were out in the field for night prayers.
Punch reported that the fire was eventually put out by both the staff and students of the school, however, Chigozie Anyichie’s body was later discovered. The deceased was burnt beyond recognition.
It was gathered that the deceased student was inside the dormitory when the incident occurred, while the other students went to the field for devotion.
Mohammed said, “One Rev. Dr Kajetan Anuforo, the Principal of the Patterson Memorial Grammar School, Awada, reported at the Awada Police Station that there was a fire outbreak in the school at a section of the dormitory when the pupils were out in the field for prayers.
“The fire, which completely burnt down a dormitory block, was eventually extinguished by the concerted efforts of the staff and pupils of the school.
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“However, when the dust settled, it was discovered that a JSS 1 pupil, identified as Chigozie Dim Anyichie, 11, who did not go out with the other pupils for prayers, was caught up in the inferno and was burnt beyond recognition.
“Police detectives led by the DPO, Awada Division, Tony Adeyi, visited the scene and took the victim to the hospital, where he was certified dead by a doctor.”