Tensions are escalating at the Government Special Science Senior Secondary School located in North Bank, Uni Agric Road, Makurdi, as parents have organized a protest at the school entrance, demanding the immediate release of their children due to increasing security concerns.
The parents, visibly distressed, have expressed their inability to ensure the safety of their children within the school environment. Their concerns stem from recent violent incidents in the surrounding area and a perceived lack of governmental action despite multiple warnings. The school administration has reportedly communicated with the Benue State Ministry of Education, formally requesting the presence of security personnel before the commencement of the current academic term; however, they received no response.
Concerns have intensified following the recent kidnapping of students at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), which is in close proximity to the affected school. The parents indicated that a subsequent reminder was sent to the Ministry after the incident at JOSTUM, yet no corrective measures were implemented.
The situation deteriorated last week when suspected herdsmen attacked the local community surrounding the school, resulting in multiple fatalities and the mass displacement of residents. Parents have reported that during the last visit day, cattle were observed grazing within the school premises due to a compromised perimeter fence, thereby exacerbating fears regarding the safety of the students.
In light of these pressing security issues, the parents are calling for immediate intervention and have urged the school management to suspend operations temporarily until adequate security measures are established.
“We do not wish for another incident akin to JOSTUM, Chibok, or Dapchi to occur in Benue,” stated a concerned parent.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement from either the Ministry of Education or the school administration.
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