Confusion trails death of Oyo teacher allegedly attacked by students during gambling

From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan

There is growing confusion and outrage in Oyo State following the death of a teacher at Soun High School, Mr Fatai Adegoke, under controversial circumstances.

Initial reports claimed that Mr Adegoke was brutally attacked by some students after he attempted to stop them from gambling during school hours. The incident allegedly left him with severe injuries, including broken limbs. He was said to have been rushed to the hospital, where he later died.

A statement issued by a group of concerned educators condemned the act, describing it as “a horrifying assault on the teaching profession.”

“With deep pain and righteous indignation, we mourn the tragic and avoidable death of Mr Fatai Adegoke, a dedicated teacher who was attacked by his own students while trying to stop them from gambling during school hours,” the statement read.

The educators called on the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), and law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served. They also urged parents to take greater responsibility for their children’s moral upbringing.

However, a conflicting account has since emerged, suggesting that the teacher may not have been attacked by his students.

According to another version of the story, Mr Adegoke had only recently resumed duty after recovering from an earlier accident. Witnesses claimed that while he attempted to discipline one of the students caught gambling, he reportedly lost his balance after the student dodged his cane, leading to a fatal fall.

The source alleged that some educators, in a show of solidarity, may have exaggerated the account to implicate the students.

Efforts to reach the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, for confirmation were unsuccessful as of press time. Meanwhile, tension remains high within the school community, with some of the students said to be in hiding as investigations continue.