Anambra State Government orders immediate closure of Community Secondary School, Awor-Ezimuzor, after alleged unlawful detention of its principal and vice principal by local vigilantes
The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Community Secondary School, Awor-Ezimuzor, in Ezinifite, Nnewi South Local Government Area.
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This decisive action follows disturbing reports of the alleged unlawful arrest and detention of the school’s principal and vice principal by a local vigilante group.
It is understood that the two senior school officials were held for three days by the community’s vigilante group, reportedly without access to food, water, or toilet facilities.
While the specific details surrounding their arrest have not been publicly disclosed, the state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, confirmed the closure in a statement released on Thursday.
“The state government has directed the immediate and temporary closure of Community Secondary School Awor-Ezimuzor, Ezinifite, Nnewi South LGA,” the statement read.
“The closure follows disturbing reports of the unlawful arrest, torture and detention of the principal and vice principal of the school.”
Prof. Chuma-Udeh emphasised that the school would remain shut until the safety and security of the principal, vice principal, staff, and students can be fully guaranteed.
She further revealed that she has convened an urgent meeting with key stakeholders, including the Chairman and Secretary of the Post Primary Schools Service Commission, to address the serious matter.
Also invited to the crucial meeting are the board member representing the Nnewi zone, the zonal director for the Nnewi zone, the management of the school, and the President-General of Awor-Ezimuzor, Ezinifite Town Union.
The statement added, “The closure is to ensure the safety and security of the students, who are already traumatised by the event, even as they continue writing their Basic Education Certificate Examination and West African School Certificate Examination.”
The commissioner urged all invited stakeholders to attend and to approach the matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency.