SAFETY CONCERN: Anambra Govt Close School after Vigilante Detain, Torture Principal, VP

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra state government has ordered closure of Community Secondary School Awor-Ezimuzor, Ezinifite, Nnewi South Local Government Area following alleged unlawful arrest, torture and detention of Principal and Vice Principal of the school by Vigilantee group of the community.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh who gave the directive said the school would remain closed until safety of the Principals, staff and students of the school were fully guaranteed.

The statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mrs Ifeoma Agbaizu said the Commissioner had invited Chairman and Secretary of Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC) for an urgent meeting to address the matter.

Also invited to the meeting were Board Member representing Nnewi Zone, Zonal Director, Nnewi Zone, Principal and Management of the School and President General of Awor-Ezimuzor, Ezinifite Town Union.

The statement reads, “The Honorable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has directed the immediate and temporary closure of Community Secondary School Awor-Ezimuzor, Ezinifite, Nnewi South Local Government Area.

“The closure follows disturbing report of the unlawful arrest, torture and detaining of the Principal and Vice Principal of Community Secondary School Awor-Ezimuzor, Ezinifite, Nnewi South Local Government Area, without food, water and toilet facilities for three days by the Vigilantee group of the community.

“The closure is to ensure security and safety of the students who are already traumatized by the development, even while writing their Basic Education Certificate Examination and West African School Certificate Examination

“This directive will remain effective until the safety of the Principal, staff, and students is fully guaranteed.

“In line with this, the following stakeholders are to be invited for an urgent meeting with the Honourable Commissioner: The Chairman and the Secretary of Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC)

“Also invited to the meeting are Board Member representing Nnewi Zone, Zonal Director, Nnewi Zone, Principal and Management of Community Secondary School Awor-Ezimuzor, Ezinifite, President General of Awor-Ezimuzor, Ezinifite Town Union.

“This matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness and urgency. All concerned parties are to make themselves available upon invitation. Please treat as urgent.”