The management of St. Michael LEA school, Sakama, in Ilọrin South LGA of Kwara State, on Monday, pleaded with the state government to come to their aid over incessant vandalisation and criminalities being perpetrated by hoodlums in the area.
When City & Crime visited the school, some parts of the perimeter fence had collapsed, giving free access to intruders. Some of the classes have also been vandalised.
Speaking with our correspondent, head teacher of the school, Mrs Silas Adegbola, said the situation needed urgent attention to enable learning in a peaceful environment.
According to her, “Between last month and now, the hoodlums have burgled the school three times, destroying properties and carting away tables and chairs in the process including teachers’ belongings.
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“They destroy our doors, windows and come into the compound to play soccer during school hours, defecate and smoke in some of the abandoned classes because of the lack of security.
“We are earnestly pleading with the government to please come to our rescue to guide the pupils against their negative tendencies and influence,” Mrs Silas said.
On his part, an old student and member of the 1991/92 set, Dr Kamaldeen AbdulSalam Babatunde, said the situation was worrisome.
He said the police post behind the school which was no longer functioning had compounded the problem together with the notoriety of the area.
“This is one of the best schools but now it has been turned to something else,’’ he said.
Contacted, Press Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Peter Amogbonjaye, advised the school to “Immediately channel their complaint to the commissioner.”