By Augustine Anioke
An 11-yrs-old Secondary school student in Anambra State has been burnt to death in a fire outbreak which occurred in his school hostel block.
The fire, it was gathered, occurred on Saturday night when other students had gone out for prayers.
The incident happened at Patterson Memorial Grammar School Awada.
It was gathered that the student, Chigozie Dim Anyichie had stayed back in the hostel when other students went to the prayer ground for prayers.
Police spokesman in the state, Haruna Mohammed confirmed the incident to our Reporter.
“On the 6 January 2020 at about 09:45am, one Rev. Dr. Kajetan Anuforo ‘m’, the Principal of Patterson Memorial Grammar School, Awada reported at Awada Police Station that there was a fire outbreak in the school on the January 5 at about 10:pm,at a section of the school dormitory when the students were out in the field for night prayers”.
“The fire which completely burnt down a dormitory block was eventually put off by the concerted efforts of the staff and students of the School.
“However, when the dust settled, it was discovered that a JSS 1 student identified as one Chigozie Dim Anyichie aged 11years, who did not go out with other students for prayers was caught up in the inferno and burnt beyond recognition,” he said.
Mr Haruna said that Police detectives led by the DPO of Awada Division, Tony Adeyi visited the scene and took the victim to the hospital where he was certified dead by a medical doctor.
“The Corpse was photographed and deposited at the mortuary for postmortem examination”.
He added that the cause of the fire and value of property destroyed is yet to be ascertained.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police CP John B.Abang,FDC has commiserated with the family of the victim and ordered for a discreet investigation to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident, please.”, Haruna added.