Family of Sylvester Oromoni, a 12-year-old student of Dowen College located in the Lekki area of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria has finally buried him after years of fighting for justice on his behalf.
Gatekeepers News reports that on November 30, 2021, Oromoni died following alleged torture by some senior students of the college who wanted to force him to join their cult group.
After his controversial death, his family has been participating in a coroner’s inquest seeking to bring the killers of their son to book.
He was, however, buried on Saturday in Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South West Local Government area of Delta State, South-South Nigeria.
A family statement obtained by Sahara Reporters read in part, “Sylvester, born on December 4, 2009, met a devastating end on November 30, 2021, succumbing to injuries inflicted in a harrowing assault by fellow students. Before his untimely demise, Sylvester was renowned for his exceptional intellect and maturity beyond his years.
“A young mind brimming with potential, he demonstrated remarkable initiative and an extraordinary sense of humor, endearing him to those fortunate enough to cross paths with him. Sylvester’s insatiable passion for knowledge, particularly in fields of computer science, programming, electrical science, and his special interest in football set him apart.
“His absence has left an irreplaceable void in our lives as a family and the lives of those who hold him dear, and his legacy will endure through the indelible memories of the profound impact he made on those around him. As we continue to mourn our son, we as a family implore everyone to honour Sylvester’s memory by reflecting on the bright spirit that enriched their lives and celebrate the intellect that radiated from his young mind.
“As the community mourns the loss of this promising scholar, we will continue to demand justice for our beloved son who was murdered in cold blood by fellow students. The most important thing about life is that everyone on earth must strive to make heaven because that is a great achievement for everyone, where there is no pain, sorrow, sadness, calamity, worries.
“Sylvester should be emulated according to his brief biography read to us all. He was a good young boy, who cared so much about his fellow students, friends, sisters, brothers and all those who crossed his path. He was diligent and was a devout Christian. At his young age, he cared for the needs of his fellow students, he was so good both at school and home. Though he left very young but he has achieved the purpose of God who created him. We are here to celebrate him not to mourn. At his age, look at the mammoth crowd that came to bid him farewell to heavens.”
His father vowed that he was unfettered in ensuring justice was served in the case.
He said, “As the father of the deceased, I cannot be tired or discouraged from pursuing justice, as I have promised my son to get him justice even if it will take thirty years to achieve it.”
Presiding over the coroner’s inquest, Magistrate Mikhail Kadiri on January 15, said the findings of the panel into the boy’s death would be revealed on or before April 12, but not later than that.
