The Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Orji Kalu, has expressed sadness over the death of 12-year-old student- Sylvester Oromoni (Jnr) of Dowen college, Lagos.

Kalu, in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, described the events leading to his death as wicked, unacceptable and highly condemnable.

The former governor of Abia commended the Lagos State government for shutting down the school for a full-scale investigation on the incident.

Kalu, while commiserating with the Oromoni family, prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

He, however, urged government, school authorities and stakeholders in the education sector to map out strategies to fight against cultism and social vices in schools.

“I received with shock the devastating news of the death of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni (Jnr) of Dowen College, Lagos, who was reportedly bullied and tortured by his colleagues in school.

“The sad incident must be properly investigated by government in a bid to bring perpetrators of the act to book and also to forestall recurrence.

“I am also deeply pained that secondary school students have started embracing cultism and other social vices.

“We must not accept the unruly behaviour in our schools, communities and society at large. All hands must be on deck to ensure proper counseling of children, wards and loved ones.

“In their prime, students must be sensitised on the imperative of good moral conduct by their biological and foster parents and guardians,” Orji said.

The former governor prayed to God to give the deceased’s parents the fortitude to bear the loss.