A tragic accident occurred on December 2, 2024, at Owiwi Nursery and Primary School in Obada Oko, Ogun State, Nigeria. A pupil, Alao Idera, an 11-year-old Primary 6 student, lost her right eye after running into a cane held by her teacher.

The teacher, Adeola Adeyemo, is a 400-level student from Tai Solarin University, Ijebu Ode, who was undergoing her teaching practice at the school. According to police reports, Adeola was holding the cane during class while addressing the students about an end-of-year party. Unfortunately, Idera accidentally ran into the cane, causing severe damage to her right eye.

The injured pupil was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta for treatment, where doctors had no choice but to remove her damaged eye during surgery.

The incident sparked outrage from the pupil’s family, leading to the teacher’s arrest. Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola confirmed the situation, stating that Adeola did not flog the child but was simply holding the cane when the accident occurred.

Upon hearing that her pupil had lost her eye, Adeola reportedly attempted to take her own life by consuming harmful substances. Fortunately, she was rushed to the hospital by the police and is now in stable condition.

The police are still investigating the incident, and further updates will be provided as they become available. This tragic event has raised questions about the safety measures in schools and the presence of disciplinary tools like canes in classrooms, even when not being used for punishment.