We Don’t Know If Protesters Will Return Again, Students Shun Schools In Enugu

Most schools in Enugu, the state capital, recorded zero turnout of pupils and students despite the lifting of curfew in the metropolis by the state government. Schools in the state capital were hurriedly shut last Wednesday when the #EndSARS protest turned violent. Subsequently, a 24-curfew was imposed on the state capital, which was relaxed yesterday.

However, a visit to most schools today showed that both primary and secondary schools recorded no persons. Only teachers were seen discussing. A teacher at Messiah International School, Ugbo Odogwu, on condition of anonymity, said, “We are surprised that not even one pupil came to school today. We contacted some of the parents, but it seems they want to be very sure of the security situation in the metropolis before allowing their children and wards to resume academic activities. I advise that government make more publicity to the effect the schools have started.”

At Government Secondary School, Iva Valley, the story was the same. Only teachers were seen. A student of the school, who identified himself as Onuoroh, said, “Our parents told us to wait because we don’t know if the protesters will return again. Maybe after tomorrow, we know if we can resume. We are afraid because of what happened.”

A lecturer, Dr Anayo Ossai, told our correspondent that, “I want to observe a little more time. What I passed through going to pick my kids in school last Wednesday, which was the peak of the protest, remains evergreen. I wouldn’t like to risk any child’s innocent life for now. But with time, the confidence would be restored; although I am convinced that peace has been restored.”

Efforts to get the state commissioner for education, Prof Uchenna Eze, did not yield any result, but a director in the ministry, who did want his name mentioned, said, “It will take time for the confidence to return to both parents and students. But with time, things will normalise. It is justified because life is sacrosanct.”