Hoodlums invade pry school, disrupt graduation ceremony

Alphonus Agborh, Asaba - 23.07.2008

Several pupils of a private school in Okpanam in Delta State narrowly escaped death last weekend when some youths suspected to be thugs invaded the school located near the new Asaba International Airport.

The hoodlums, who allegedly came from Ibusa community, stormed the Marble Hills Primary School and unleashed mayhem on teachers, pupils and invitees to the school’s graduation ceremony that day.

The incident occurred a few minutes after the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and his wife, Roli, who were guests at the ceremony, left the place.

Some of the children were treated at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, for injures while shoes and food items littered the school ground after the attack.

This was the second time invaders had attacked the area. The first attack was in June when a block of four flats was reduced to rubbles.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr. Udom Ekpoudom, told reporters that the police were investigating the criminal aspect of the damage in the first instance.

Commenting on the invasion, Mr. Dada Okorie, owner of the destroyed building, wondered why the police were yet to arrest the culprits despite petition to that effect.

“I am surprised that the five suspects are still moving freely despite my petition to the police.”

He appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, to save the area from land speculators.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Charles Muka, said he was not aware of the recent invasion.