A traditional ruler accidentally killed a kid while he was trying to reverse his vehicle on the field where the lad was playing.
The mother of a 7-year-old primary one pupil, Samuel Olayinka, says she has yet to get over the loss of her only son, days after he was crushed to death by the car of a baale (traditional leader), Chief Spencer Savage.
According to the Punch, Olayinka, a pupil of St. Kizto Primary School II, was playing with his friends on the premises of Fagba Junior Grammar School in Iju Station in Lagos during the closing hours when the accident happened.
It was gathered that Chief Savage had driven into the school premises around 3pm on October 7, and was reversing while trying to park, not knowing that Olayinka was behind the car.
The young pupil had been waiting since 1pm for his sister at a neighbouring school to take him home. He was said to have been rushed to a private hospital in the area where he died.
The deceased’s mother, who identified herself simply as Mama Mary, said her joy had been stolen, adding that she had taken solace in God.
“I was surprised when I learnt he was playing, because he was a reserved child. Most times, I forced him to play at home; he was very calm. His sister normally goes to pick him when she closes from school at 3pm.
There are supposed to be security guards at the school that regulate the vehicles entering the compound. He was attending a private school before I withdrew him from there when I could no longer afford the fees.
It was very painful but I have left everything to God. It is a tragedy that I can never forget. I did not know how I got admitted in a hospital when I was told he had died. The baale (Savage) visited me once while I was in the hospital and he paid my hospital bill.”
Chief Savage, who spoke to a reporter on the phone, said he had come to the school on the fateful day to discuss his child’s poor performance with the principal. He said he made efforts to save Olayinka’s life to no avail.