Abia schools reopen after delayed resumption

Schools in Abia state have resumed for the 2017/2018 academic session after a week-long crisis in the state led to the extension of the holidays.

The schools were to resume on September 18 but had to wait an extra week as a result of the security situation in the state.

There had been a breach of security in Abia, following a face-off between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and security agencies.

The situation had prompted Okezie Ikpeazu, governor of the state, to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Aba, a major town. He later relaxed to run from 10pm to 6am and ordered that the holiday be extended “to ensure the safety of our children and wards”.

A check around the state showed that both public and private schools have commenced activities of a fresh session.

Some of the parents, who took their children to school, expressed optimism that “the storm is over and life is in full swing”.

One of them said the state government did the right thing by delaying the resumption.

Another parent, who identified himself as James, added that “I don’t have any fear about the security of my children”.

Following the resumption, Ikpeazu called on the students, teachers as well as parents to remain vigilant and to report any security breach to relevant authorities.