Deeper Life High School, Tuesday, said there is no attempt to cover up the case of an 11-year-old student, who was allegedly molested at its campus in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
A mother in the school, Mrs Deborah Okezie, alleged some senior pupils 3exually molested her son- Don Davis- by pushing their hands and legs into his anus and threatened to kill him if he reported to anyone.
She also alleged that the young boy was being maltreated in the school and was not being properly fed despite full payment of necessary fees.
Also, Iniobong Archibong, father of the boy, said the school authorities told the family to withdraw the case to cover up the assault.
Reacting to alleged assault, Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel mandated Commissioner for Education, Dr Enobong Erasmus Mbobo, to commence investigation into the alleged case of child abuse at the school.
Education Secretary, Deeper Life High School (DLHS), Mrs Thelma Malaka, in a two-minute video on December 29, assured that the truth would prevail on the matter.
Malaka affirmed that the school stands on its core value of integrity and uprightness as such would not cover up any untoward act under any guise.
She stated that the school authorities ensured that staff members and students allegedly fingered in the act appeared before the probe panel to give evidence, noting that knowing the mental and physical stress the victim was passing through, the school would continue to shower him with love within the limit his parents could permit.
Her words: “This is a further statement to the first we shared with discerning observers on the allegation of molestation of a JS1 student, Don Davies at our Uyo campus, Akwa Ibom state.
“First and foremost, permit me to remind you that the office of the governor of Akwa Ibom state has taken over the investigation of the matter to ensure neutrality and a dispassionate outcome.
“We appreciate the concerned effort of everyone who has shown support in the investigation this far. We reiterate that we will be transparent and that justice will not only be served, but it will also be seen by all that it has been served.
“Recall that we earlier suspended the principal of the affected campus and we initiated an investigation into the matter. We decided to restraint ourselves from further comment after the first update because we thought it is subjudice to comment on a matter under investigation.
“However considering the potential impact of this issue, especially what we stand for, we are compelled to provide an early update before the final report is released by the government.
“The panel has sat and we presented staff members and students of our school who have been mentioned in this particular case all through the period of investigation. We believe that the government will share the final report once the investigation is concluded.
“Secondly, as a parent myself, I do care about the mental and physical health of Don Davies who is at the centre of this issue. Despite the intriguing underpinning, we will continue to show our love to him within the limit permitted by his parents.
“We have unflinching confidence in our God to resolve the issue such that at the end of the day the truth will ultimately prevail.
“Thirdly, I will like to let you know that the Police are also currently investigating this matter. And we have been invited to share our own side of the story. The detailed interrogation was however adjourned due to the holidays.
We believe that a new date will be communicated as soon as possible by the Police authorities.
“Finally, we will like to reiterate that Deeper Life High School stands on a core value of integrity and uprightness and will not attempt to cover any immoral act under any guise. We enjoin the public to be on the lookout for the final report as will be released by the appropriate authority soon.”
The school was founded in November 2010 and has 21 campuses in the country.
