A thunderstorm-triggered fire on Sunday destroyed five blocks of classrooms at Saint Peter’s Primary School, Igbemo Ekiti, causing panic but fortunately claiming no lives.
The fire broke out during a heavy downpour that lasted over an hour, leaving the school building in ruins. In response, teachers swiftly relocated pupils to a nearby institution, AUD Pilot Nursery and Primary School, to ensure learning continued without disruption.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, visited the site on Monday and assured the affected school community of the government’s swift intervention.
“The structure razed down will be rebuilt in due course so that the pupils and teachers can heave a sigh of relief after the fire incident,” Oyebanji said.
Expressing sadness over the incident, he commended school authorities for their quick response.
“I am saddened by this fire incident caused by a mysterious thunder strike. Though the structure has been burnt, we are happy that no life was lost because it happened when the pupils and teachers were at home.
“Most interesting to me was the way you immediately relocated the pupils to a nearby school. This showed the commitment of the State Universal Basic Education Board to the academic growth of these pupils and the need for them to be at par with their colleagues in other schools.”
He reassured the community that the government would reconstruct the school to its original state in no time.
Meanwhile, the governor also addressed complaints from teachers about open defecation and improper waste disposal on the premises of AUD Pilot School, ordering an immediate end to the unhygienic practices.
Education Secretary for Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Mrs. Adesola George-Ojo, emphasized the need for the school’s perimeter fencing to be completed to prevent further environmental hazards.
(PUNCH)
