By Suleiman Shehu
Pandemonium erupted in Ibadan as 59 students from Government Technical College, Orita-Aperin, were arrested for unleashing mayhem on Christ Apostolic Grammar School (CAC), leaving destruction in their wake.
The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, confirmed the mass arrest on Monday during a high-stakes stakeholders’ meeting at the Command Headquarters, convened to tackle the growing menace of school-related gang violence.
According to the police, the rampaging students stormed CAC Grammar School on Thursday, vandalising school property, smashing vehicles, and leaving some teachers injured in the chaos.
“Destroyed properties included vehicles, the school library, and some teachers were injured during the attack,” Adenola stated, expressing shock over the lawlessness displayed by the students.
Following an intense investigation, 17 of the arrested students were found culpable, while the rest were released without charges.
“When I interviewed them on Saturday, I was shocked by the riot. The level of decadence in schools across Oyo State is alarming,” the Commissioner lamented.
Determined to curb the escalating violence, the police convened the emergency meeting, bringing together key stakeholders to devise solutions.
“The Command convened this stakeholders’ meeting to end gang violence in schools within Ibadan and across Oyo State. It has been observed that many students go on rampages, especially after term examinations or at the end of the school term. This behaviour is unacceptable. It must end immediately,” Adenola warned.
The Commissioner further revealed disturbing trends of cultism among students, raising concerns about the deepening crisis.
“It is unfortunate that many students in the state are cultists, with nicknames different from their real identities. The police have initiated measures, including school visits, to sensitise students about the dangers of cultism,” he said.
He urged parents and guardians to take an active role in their children’s upbringing, stressing that financial support alone is insufficient.
Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Saliu Adelabu, commended the police for their swift intervention and assured that juvenile courts were prepared to try the culprits.
The crucial meeting was attended by principals from both schools, Oyo State SUBEB Chairman, Dr. Nurein Adeniran, and parents of the affected students. (NAN)
