NO fewer than seven public secondary schools across Ondo State have been invaded by men of the underworld within the space of two months
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Hundreds of laptops supplied to the schools by the state government were carted away in the process. It is being suspected that the hoodlums who operate as a syndicate are working in collaboration with some insiders in the affected schools.
Findings revealed that their mode of operation is similar and showed that they concentrated more on the theft of computers while food items such as bags of rice were equally pilfered in some of the schools they invaded.
Of the schools so far robbed, Olofin Grammar School, Idanre and Methodist High School, Okitipupa turned bloody as three night guards were murdered. The guards, were identified as Akinjemiyan Babayomi and Akingbade Adewoleoye murdered before carting away 111 newly supplied and installed computers in the school.
Another night guard, whose identity could not be ascertained was reportedly killed by the robbers at Methodist High School in Okitipupa. Other affected schools include Methodist High School, Idanre, Aqiunas College, Akure, Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School, Akure and Methodist High School, Okitipupa.
How the hoodlums escaped unnoticed with the stolen computers is still a mystery to the authorities of the affected schools and the police detectives investigating the incident.
Investigationof the incident
A Police source told South West Voice that the robbers have informants in the affected schools. The source explained that the computer thieves may have come for the operation with a vehicle or motorcycles which they used in carting away the stolen items. “Where did they pack the vehicles? How did they carry the computers from each of the affected schools and they were not accosted by security guards?” the source queried.
South West Voice gathered that the three night guards murdered may have recognized the robbers when they broke into the school ICT room and were removing the computers. Findings indicated that the robbers who killed the guards and stole the computers were not fewer than six.
The guards were matcheted to death according to police detectives who were invited to the scene by the principal of the school Mr Patrick Adenonye. South West Voice was informed that when the news of the incident was reported to the principal by his deputy, he raced to the school compound and discovered that the two night guards were missing.
In an exclusive chat, the Education Commissioner, Mr. Jide Adejuyigbe described the invasion of government schools as “a serious security challenge.” He said: “It is like armed robbers are laying siege to all our schools in Ondo State. This is a security challenge and we will definitely do something about it.”
He confirmed that seven schools have been robbed by the hoodlums who carted away hundreds of laptops supplied to government secondary schools. He pointed out that the state government is presently working with security operatives to apprehend the perpetrators.
Adejuyigbe added that government had met with stakeholders on the issue. “We will find a lasting solution to the criminal act in the secondary schools in the state.” the Commissioner assured.
Securitysurveillance
The Chief of Staff to the state governor, Dr. Kola Ademujimi, who led a delegation to one of the affected schools called on the state Police Command to provide security surveillance in all the schools in the state. He said the incessant invasion of secondary schools by armed robbers is becoming worrisome.
Speaking with South West Voice, the Principal of Olofin Grammar School; Mr. Patrick Adenonye described the incident as unfortunate. It was gathered that some persons have been interrogated by the Police but no suspect has been arrested. When contacted the image maker of the state Police Command, Mr. Femi Joseph confirmed the robbery incidents, saying that investigations had commenced.
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