C/River communal crisis forces 2,000 children out of school

No fewer than 2,000 children have been forced out of school since the resumption of hostilities between the Yache-Ijiegu community and the Tiv settlers in Yala LGA of Cross River State about four months ago.

This is as parents, guardians and their wards, as well as teachers in the eight primary and secondary schools in Yache-Ijiegu community of Yala LGA of Cross River State have expressed worries over the continued closure of schools following the hostilities which began in July 2023.

Our correspondent who visited some of the affected schools such as Holy Trinity primary school, Community Secondary School and Bethel Schools, reports that they have been deserted.

Daily Trust Saturday learnt that the schools with over 2,000 children have been shut since the resumption of hostilities.

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One of the parents, Amos Pius, who said he has four children in both primary and secondary schools, lamented the effect of the closure on his children.

One of the students of Bethel schools, who gave her name as Cynthia said she was to start her secondary school this term but the conflict has stopped her.

Lamenting similarly, a teacher in one of the schools in Yache-Ijiegu, Alexander Ohu, said the impacts are telling much on the schools and the children.

He appealed to the authorities to prevail on the warring communities to give peace a chance.

Since the resumption of hostilities between the communities, over 20 persons have been reportedly killed and over 50 houses burnt.

Commissioner for Education in Cross River, Senator Stephen Odey, who is also from the Yache-Ijiegu community, said they have interfaced with military authorities in the state over the conflict, adding that the governors of Benue and Cross River states will meet soon to resolve all issues.