Claim: According to social media reports, a tragic incident at Lycée Etoug Ebe in Yaounde resulted in a stampede that caused the loss of several student lives and left others critically injured. However, upon fact-checking, these reports are false.
The Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Mfoundi, Emmanuel Mariel Djikdent, who visited the school as the first administrative authority, stated that no student died in the unfortunate incident. The SDO’s statement contradicts the earlier reports of multiple student deaths. Furthermore, no parent or family member has come forward to report the loss of a child in this incident.
Factual Inaquaries in Posts
A social media post by Mr C Daily Realities states that approximately 13 students had died which is incorrect.
A reel shared on Facebook by Millian Info mentioned the death of one student. There is no evidence in the video indicating the death of a student.
The actual events unfolded when the principal locked the gate to prevent latecomers from entering, leading to students forcibly breaking the gate to gain entry. This caused a chaotic stampede, particularly affecting younger students in Forms 1 and 2. While injuries were reported, no fatalities occurred.
The incident did incite unrest among students, resulting in property damage and threats of further escalation. The principal has gone into hiding following threats from the students, and police have been deployed to stabilize the situation. Parents have also rushed to the school to collect their children.
Here is what the school principal Mrs Catherine Foju had to say.
It is important to rely on verified information from official sources to ensure accurate reporting of incidents and prevent the spread of misinformation.
Other Fact Checks From Cameroon Check check (click the hyperlink on Cameroon Check)
