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In the strife-ridden Yala Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State, hostilities between the Yache-Ijiegu community and Tiv settlers have forced more than 2,000 children out of school since the conflict erupted four months ago.
Visits to affected schools like Holy Trinity Primary School, Community Secondary School, and Bethel Schools revealed an unsettling scene of abandonment, with classrooms deserted and doors locked. The closure of these eight primary and secondary schools, impacting over 2,000 students, remains a pressing concern for parents, guardians, and educators alike.
Amos Pius, a parent with four children in both primary and secondary schools, expressed deep concern over the adverse effects of the prolonged closure on his children. Similarly, Cynthia, a student from Bethel Schools, shared her disappointment at being unable to commence her secondary education this term due to the ongoing conflict.
Teachers, including Alexander Ohu from one of the affected schools, emphasized the detrimental impacts on both educational institutions and the children. Ohu appealed to authorities, urging them to intervene and encourage the warring communities to embrace peace for the sake of the affected students.
The conflict, ongoing since July 2023, has not only disrupted education but also resulted in the reported loss of more than 20 lives and the destruction of over 50 houses in the communities involved. Senator Stephen Odey, the Commissioner for Education in Cross River and a member of the Yache-Ijiegu community, confirmed ongoing discussions with military authorities and announced an upcoming meeting between the governors of Benue and Cross River states to address and resolve the multifaceted issues arising from the hostilities
Adapted from Daily Trust
