Schools in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State are now shadows of what they used to be, as repeated bandit attacks have brought education in the area to its knees.
Almost half of the public primary and secondary schools in the Council have been vandalised, leaving classrooms and facilities in ruins. Among the worst affected are Umulolo Central School, Umulolo Girls’ and Boys’ Secondary Schools, Agbobu/Ndizuogu Community Primary School, Agbogu Central and Community Secondary Schools, Umuowa-Ibu Technical School, Umuowa-Ibu Primary School, and schools in the Aku community.
Residents lament that the once-active schools now look abandoned, with many buildings reduced to empty shells.
The destruction has pushed hundreds of children out of classrooms, adding to the already high number of out-of-school children in the state.
Observers fear that if urgent action is not taken, education in Okigwe may completely collapse under the weight of insecurity.
