NB247
Following the assault on the Vice Principal of Complete Child Development Centre Akure, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested one Dorcas Asije and four other accomplices.
The Vice Principal, Alexander Rotifa, had caught a student with a smart phone during a WAEC exam last week Monday, and promptly seized the phone.
The student’s parent later stormed the school to harass Mr Rotifa for confiscating the phone. Although the phone was eventually handed over to the woman, she was alleged to have organized thugs to beat up the Vice Principal to stupor.
The Ministry of Education, Ondo State had reported that Mr Rotifa called in the police to arrest the thugs, but they were unable to effect any arrest as the hoodlums overpowered them and manhandled him in the process.
The ministry also reported that Mr Rotifa had been discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment but could not return to his house for fear of further attacks.
Meanwhile, the police command in Ondo State says the parent and her accomplices are currently in the command’s custody.
Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, said on Monday the arrest was made by a tactical team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations).
“The case has been transferred to SCID and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” he said.
The Administrative Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Akindele Ige condemned the incident and warned that the state government would not tolerate any form of hooliganism, thuggery, or examination malpractices.
He emphasized that the use of handsets or any other materials capable of aiding malpractices is totally prohibited in schools across the state during examinations.
“The Ministry of Education has commenced an inquiry into the matter and is working with relevant stakeholders to get to the root of the incident,” Mr Ige said.
He cautioned school children against thuggery, hooliganism, and other vices that could negatively impact their future.
He further assured that sanctions would be applied where appropriate.
There has been a public outcry against the high level of malpractices that attending the ongoing WAEC examinations across the country.
Last week many centres experienced delays forcing students to take the exam in the dark, and were only able to write with the use of lights from their phones and other sources.