Baale Crushed Into A Seven Years Old

Chief Spencer Savage a baale was trying to park his car but did not know that the boy was behind he ran over the boy and all attempts to save his life proved abortive according to report.

The seven year old primary one student Samuel Olayinka was died on the spot.

The incident happened on Wednesday, October 7 when the traditional ruler drove into Fagba junior grammar school in Iju station.

It was reported that although the school had closed since 1pm, Olayinka was still in the compound till 3pm waiting for his elder sister who was supposed to take him home.

His mother, simply identified as Mama Mary said he was a calm boy who rarely played.

“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.”

Savage said he did not drive carelessly but it was unfortunate that the boy was behind his vehicle at the time he was reversing.

“I did not drive recklessly. I did not know he (Olayinka) was behind the car, trying to pick something and I didn’t see him in my rear-view mirror. I rushed him to Ayodele Medical Centre and the doctor tried his best. The doctor said he had an internal hemorrhage.

“I took him to the mortuary and I was subsequently detained at a police station for two days. It was not intentional. I also have children. I wanted to see the principal to discuss my child’s poor performance.”

One of Olayinka’s teachers who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the baale was not aware that the boy was behind his vehicle.

“The baale was not aware that the boy was at the back of his car. I still believe the accident could have been averted if he (baale) was more careful. The back tyre crushed the boy’s head and he died afterwards.

“The incident was reported at the Iju Police Station.

“Besides, his mother should not have allowed a little child like that to wait that long for his sister. Our school closes at 1pm; the mother should have come to pick him herself. The security here is lax. We have only two security guards manning the seven schools. The guards resume by 8am and close at 2pm.

“The school compound has become vulnerable to hoodlums since its fence collapsed. Our pupils are no longer safe from intruders and abductors. These are imminent dangers which need the government’s attention urgently. The seven schools have a population of over 5,000.”

Punch