Group Urges Government Intervention Amidst Criminal Takeover of Abandoned School in Abia
Initiative for Grassroots Interventions and Development in Education (IGIDE) calls on government to refurbish neglected school premises in Aba, Abia State, overrun by criminals, highlighting risks to community safety and education.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a recent development, the Initiative for Grassroots Interventions and Development in Education (IGIDE) has drawn attention to the dire condition of the School of Craft and Domestic Centre situated at Azikiwe Road by East, Aba, Abia State. Mrs. Eunice Egbuna, the Executive Director of IGIDE, voiced deep concerns over the neglected state of the premises, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention.
According to Mrs. Egbuna, the abandoned school has become a breeding ground for criminal activities, with reports indicating that the premises have been infiltrated by nefarious elements who engage in drug peddling and the harassment of women. She highlighted the risk posed to essential facilities like the borehole, which might fall into the wrong hands if the situation is not addressed promptly.
"The classrooms are hired out to furniture makers to park their material and to others for other businesses," Mrs. Egbuna disclosed. "We have been informed recently that some bad boys have converted the compound to their hideouts where they sell drugs, and sexually harass women among other ills. We fear that they may make away with the borehole Sumo if nothing is done to secure the place."
Expressing the potential repercussions of inaction, Mrs. Egbuna underscored the importance of revitalizing the school premises to serve its intended purpose. She stressed that immediate refurbishment by the government is crucial to transforming the site into a genuine learning environment, thereby safeguarding the future of education in the region.
Furthermore, Mrs. Egbuna proposed a collaborative effort between IGIDE and the Abia Retired Teachers to address the plight of out-of-school children. She suggested that with government support, they could volunteer their expertise to provide education and vocational training for underprivileged children, mitigating the risk of their involvement in criminal activities in the future.
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In light of these concerns, IGIDE has called upon Governor Otti to prioritize the restoration of the abandoned special school in Aba. By taking swift and decisive action, the government can not only reclaim the premises from criminals but also fulfill its duty to provide quality education and a secure environment for all citizens.
As the community awaits governmental response, the plight of the School of Craft and Domestic Centre stands as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for sustained investment in education infrastructure and social welfare programs across Abia State.
The dilapidation of educational institutions not only hampers the pursuit of knowledge but also poses significant risks to societal well-being. It is imperative for authorities to heed the call for intervention and take concrete steps towards revitalizing neglected educational facilities for the benefit of current and future generations.
