The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Community Secondary School, Awor-Ezimuzor, located in Ezinifite, Nnewi South Local Government Area, following the alleged unlawful detention and torture of the school’s principal and vice principal by the local vigilante group.
Reports indicate that the two school officials were held by the community vigilantes for three days without access to food, water, or sanitation. The reasons behind their detention have not been officially disclosed.
Announcing the closure on Thursday, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable.
“The state government has directed the immediate and temporary closure of Community Secondary School, Awor-Ezimuzor, Ezinifite, Nnewi South LGA.
The closure follows disturbing reports of the unlawful arrest, torture, and detention of the principal and vice principal of the school,” the statement read.
Chuma-Udeh emphasized that the school will remain closed until the safety of its staff and students is assured.
She has summoned an emergency meeting involving the Chairman and Secretary of the Post Primary Schools Service Commission, the board member representing the Nnewi zone, the zonal director, school management, and the President-General of Awor-Ezimuzor, Ezinifite Town Union.
She noted that the decision was taken to protect the students, many of whom are currently sitting for their Basic Education Certificate Examination and West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
The commissioner urged all stakeholders to treat the matter with utmost seriousness and to cooperate fully with the government’s efforts to ensure a safe learning environment.
