Students Escape Death As Fire Destroys Edo School

Chibuzor Alli

In a troubling incident over the weekend, a fire ravaged a block of classrooms at Okaro Primary School in Urhonigbe, Orhionmwon, Edo State, leaving the educational community in shock.

The Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) confirmed the incident on Monday, highlighting the urgent need for investigations into the cause of the fire, which remains unknown at this time.

Onomen Briggs, the Executive Secretary of SUBEB, expressed the board’s sorrow in a statement: “The Edo State Universal Basic Education Board is deeply saddened to report that a fire incident occurred over the weekend at Okaro Primary School, Urhonigbe, resulting in significant damage to a block of classrooms.

“We are grateful that the incident took place outside school hours and no students or staff were present at the time.

“The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, but investigations are currently being conducted by the relevant authorities within SUBEB.”

The board has taken swift action by forming a fact-finding team tasked with evaluating the damage and formulating a plan to address the situation.

Angela Okpanem, a board member for Edo South, is leading the team, which includes Austin Otas, the Director in Charge of Schools, along with other senior officials from SUBEB.

This team will carry out an on-the-ground assessment to inform the next steps for recovery.

Briggs assured the public that, “SUBEB is actively exploring alternative arrangements to ensure that pupils can continue their education without significant delays.

Details of these arrangements will be communicated to parents, guardians, and the public as soon as they are finalized.

“We deeply appreciate the support and concern expressed by members of the Urhonigbe community and assure them that SUBEB is working diligently to restore normal operations at the school as quickly as possible.

“Further updates will be provided as investigations and recovery efforts progress.”
The incident has sparked concern among parents and community members, who are eager for timely updates and solutions to ensure that students’ education is not disrupted.