Residents Allege Violence and Property Damage by WASSCE Candidates of PABOD Secondary School in Rivers State

Residents and business owners along Bernard Carr Street in the Port Harcourt Township area of Rivers State were thrown into panic on Friday following an alleged rampage by some senior students of PABOD Secondary School after writing their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred on June 19, 2026, when groups of students reportedly engaged in disorderly conduct that escalated into violence, leading to injuries and damage to property within the neighbourhood.

According to residents, the situation became tense when some students allegedly began causing a disturbance around commercial premises on Port Johnson Street shortly after concluding their examinations.

One of the victims, identified as Mr. Ejima, reportedly sustained serious injuries while attempting to intervene and restore order in the area.

Witnesses alleged that Mr. Ejima was attacked after confronting some of the students and suffered injuries, including a deep cut to his nose, during the altercation.

Another resident, Miss Amarachi, claimed that some of the students entered a nearby shop and picked up bottles which they allegedly used while fighting among themselves.

She further alleged that after being chased away from the premises, some of the students returned and attacked the shop, causing extensive damage to property.

According to her account, a member of staff at the business premises sustained a head injury during the incident, while several bottles and other items were destroyed.

Residents also alleged that the students vandalised property along Bernard Carr Street, creating fear among traders, motorists, and passers-by who hurriedly sought safety as the situation deteriorated.

In another allegation, community members claimed that a tricycle van loaded with sachet water belonging to St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church was taken away during the unrest.

Business owners in the area expressed concern over the incident, describing it as a disturbing development that endangered lives and disrupted commercial activities within the neighbourhood.

Some residents said incidents of post-examination misconduct by students have become a growing concern and called for stronger supervision of graduating students during and after external examinations.

Community leaders and residents have appealed to the Rivers State Ministry of Education, school authorities, and relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and identify those responsible.

They also urged authorities to implement measures that would prevent similar occurrences in the future and ensure that affected victims receive justice.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the management of PABOD Secondary School nor security agencies had issued an official statement regarding the allegations. However, residents say they hope a comprehensive investigation will be carried out to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.