The Catholic Archdiocese of Makurdi, Benue State, has called for the prompt shut down of Father Angus Frazer Memorial High School in Adeke, Makurdi, after unknown gunmen launched an attack on the school.
The yet-to-be identified gunmen had in the late hours of Tuesday, May 7, 2024, attacked the school but were fortunately held off by personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
No life was lost but one of the security personnel had sustained a non-threatening injury and has been receiving medical treatment in an undivulged hospital.
A press statement issued on May 8, 2024, by the Director of Social Communications of the Diocese, Very. Revd. Fr. Moses Iorapuu, had ordered for the immediate suspension of all activities at the school until further notice.
Father Angus Frazer Memorial High School is situated along Welfare Quarters at Utuur Layout, Phase 3 area of Makurdi, —an infamous area for constant attacks, killings and kidnappings by alleged Fulani herdsmen.
What They’re Saying:
Part of the statement released by the Director of Social Communications of the Diocese, Very. Revd. Fr. Moses Iorapuu read:
“Following the attack on Father Angus Frazer Memorial High School by unidentified gunmen, the Diocese of Makurdi ordered the immediate suspension of activities at the school to protect the lives of the students.”
“The decision to suspend activities was a preemptive measure to ensure the safety of our children and avoid what could be an unimaginable disaster if not for the swift action of the school authority and the intervention of security personnel who repelled the attack.”
“The Director of Catholic Education Service of the Diocese was also mandated to reach out to relevant stakeholders. The Diocese has also directed priests and those in pastoral units to tighten security around their premises and appealed to the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizens.”
Why It Matters:
The attack on Father Angus Frazer Memorial High School in Adeke, Makurdi, is a glaring reminder of how insecurity has been a constant, growing thorn in Nigeria.
Thankfully, this incident was bot a repeat of the Chibok Girl’s attack that happened about 10 years ago since the Nigerian army was prepared and on ground to fight off the unidentified attackers.
This incident could have happened anywhere in any state and thats why the Nigerian government needs to step up its efforts to safeguarding schools where the lives of minors are.
Bottom Line:
The need for a proactive preventative action not just for the attacked school, but for future purposes needs to be implemented by the Federal Government as soon as possible, to prevent future casualties and to avoid a repeat of the Chibok Girl’s episode at all costs.
