The Lagos State government has expressed its condolences to the family of Sylvester Oromoni, a student at Dowen College in Lekki, Lagos, who died as a result of injuries purportedly incurred during a thrashing by his classmates who wanted him to join their secret cult.

The state administration has also committed to looking into the situation.

The administration was in contact with the boy’s parents, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Education’s spokeswoman, Ganiu Lawal, on Friday.

The statement read in part: “The Lagos State Government sends its condolences to the parents of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni Jnr., a student of Dowen College, Lekki.

“The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, notes that this incident is shocking and the State is indeed sad about this great loss.

“A delegation comprising top-level management of relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies and the Police, has visited the school on a fact-finding mission.

“The State Government is in touch with the parents in this difficult time.

“We reassure the family of the late Sylvester Oromoni Junior and Lagosians at large that efforts are being made to unravel the circumstances leading to his demise, even as we reiterate the Government’s commitment to Child Protection.”

Meanwhile, the Lagos State administration has announced that Sylvester Oromoni’s death will be investigated.

An official from the Ministry of Education, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk on the subject, said that the government would take action.

According to the source, “the state government is aware of the matter and all the issues so far raised. We have also seen the various videos being circulated.

“The government will soon come out with its position on the matter. All students in Lagos, whether in private and public schools, are our own and we must take care of their interests.

“As of now some preliminary steps have been taken on the matter and the authorities of the affected school are cooperating by giving the necessary information.

“It is only the parents of the boy who can confirm some of the things that have gone online like the video of when the boy was being treated.

“Whatever it is, be rest assured that the matter is going to be thoroughly investigated.”