The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of five individuals, including a parent, in connection with the violent assault on Mr. Alexander Rotifa, the Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure.
The incident stemmed from a disciplinary action taken by Mr. Rotifa during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). According to reports, the Vice Principal allegedly confiscated a mobile phone from an SS3 student who was caught using the device to engage in examination malpractice.
Following the confiscation, the student reportedly returned home and informed his parents of the incident. In a shocking escalation, the student’s mother, Mrs. Dorcas Asije, allegedly mobilised and hired a group of thugs to attack the Vice Principal.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers stormed the school premises and launched a violent assault on Mr. Rotifa. In a desperate attempt to protect him, the school authorities contacted the police. However, despite police intervention, the assailants were said to have overpowered the officers, dragged Mr. Rotifa out of their patrol vehicle, and brutally beat him.
“When the hired thugs arrived, the school quickly alerted the police. Though officers responded, the attackers overpowered them, dragged the Vice Principal out of the police vehicle, and brutally beat him in front of terrified staff and students.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olayinka Alayande, confirmed the development in an official statement issued on Monday, June 2. He disclosed that Mrs. Dorcas Asije and four others were apprehended by the command’s tactical team under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi.
“Following the assault on the Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College, the Ondo State Police Command arrested Mrs. Dorcas Asije and four other accomplices,” Alayande stated. “Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, the Deputy Commissioner (Operations) led a swift tactical response to apprehend the suspects.”
He further revealed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), and that charges will be filed in court once the investigation is completed.
In response to the incident, the Ondo State Ministry of Education has also launched a formal investigation to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the assault and determine appropriate disciplinary or legal measures.
Meanwhile, the police have issued a strong advisory to the public, urging citizens to remain law-abiding and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
“Violence and jungle justice have no place in our society. We call on parents and guardians to address school-related grievances through proper channels,” the statement concluded.