Newly renovated primary school in Otukpo vandalised days after upgrade

uspected vandals have attacked the newly renovated St. Mary’s Primary School in Otukpo, Benue State, damaging classrooms and looting facilities just days after the completion of its renovation.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, saw hoodlums vandalise a block of classrooms and the school’s newly constructed public convenience, carting away fittings and other installations.

Condemning the attack, the Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Maxwell Ogiri, described the incident as a direct assault on public property and the collective aspirations of the people of Otukpo.

“This criminal act is an attack on public assets and the development efforts of the council. Such acts of sabotage will not be tolerated,” the chairman said.

Ogiri disclosed that security agencies had launched an investigation and were already tracking those responsible, expressing confidence that the perpetrators would soon be apprehended and prosecuted.

He also announced the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to St. Mary’s Primary School and other recently renovated public facilities across the local government to prevent further acts of vandalism.

The council chairman sympathised with the headmistress, staff and pupils of the school, assuring them that the unfortunate incident would not deter his administration from investing in education and other public infrastructure.

According to him, the council remains committed to providing quality educational facilities and delivering development projects across Otukpo despite the activities of criminal elements.

Ogiri further appealed to residents to protect public infrastructure by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.

He stressed that safeguarding government facilities is a collective responsibility, urging citizens to work with authorities to preserve public assets for the benefit of present and future generations.