Och’Otukpo condemns school vandalism in Otukpo, calls for vigilance 

The Och’Otukpo Odu, His Royal Highness Chief Dr. John Eimonye OON, JP, has denounced the rising cases of vandalism affecting public primary schools in Otukpo, describing the situation as a serious setback to community development.

His reaction follows a report by the Zonal Education Officer, Mr. Basil Ejiga, which detailed incidents of damage and interference with materials at St. Mary’s Primary School, where the government is currently installing dual desks to enhance learning conditions for pupils in Zone C.

The traditional ruler, who visited the school on Sunday, April 12, 2026, alongside members of his council of chiefs, expressed concern that the destruction is not limited to one location.

He noted that St. Peter’s Primary School, UBE Junior Secondary School, and other institutions within the Otukpo metropolis have also been affected.

Describing the acts as “unfortunate and detrimental to the collective progress of the community,” the monarch warned that such behaviour undermines efforts to improve educational infrastructure.

“This is a project meant for our children and future generations. It is disheartening to see individuals sabotaging such a noble initiative,” he said.

He urged residents to take responsibility for protecting public facilities, calling on the community to remain alert and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

According to him, sustainable development depends on the willingness of citizens to safeguard government investments in their areas.

The ruler also cautioned youths against engaging in destructive activities, stressing that security agencies have been mobilised to arrest offenders, including individuals involved in improper waste disposal and defecation within school premises.

Community leaders, including Chiefs Adah Ella, Onah Edeh, and Comrade Inalegwu Brooks, who accompanied the monarch during the inspection, supported his position and pledged collaboration with relevant authorities to secure the affected schools.

As part of immediate measures, the Och’Otukpo Odu directed the suspension of sporting activities in public schools pending proper documentation in collaboration with education authorities and the local government council to regulate access.

The ongoing construction of dual desks at St. Mary’s Primary School forms part of a wider government initiative aimed at improving learning environments and raising education standards across the zone.