A violent between students of Ewet Technical College and Christian Secondary School in Akwa Ibom State was narrowly prevented on Friday, thanks to the swift intervention of law enforcement. According to eyewitness Ufot Bassey, the altercation involved pupils from both institutions.
The skirmish was reportedly a retaliatory attack by Ewet Technical College students, who were seeking revenge for an earlier assault by Christian Secondary School students. The incident unfolded shortly after school hours, at approximately 2 pm, when the leaders of the rival groups converged on the Traffic Light area of Uyo-Oron Road.
Armed with an assortment of deadly weapons, including broken bottles, knives, stones, and clubs, the students were poised for a violent clash. However, police operatives swiftly intervened, deploying tear gas to disperse the hostile crowd. Four students sustained injuries, while five others collapsed due to tear gas inhalation.
The prompt response of the state Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ubong Umoh, accompanied by emergency medical personnel from AKISEMSAS, ensured that the injured students received timely medical attention and were revived at the hospital.
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Timfon John confirmed the incident, stating that eight students were taken into custody, while four injured students were treated and discharged from the hospital. An investigation is currently underway to determine the underlying causes of the conflict.
DSP John elaborated, “Four suspects were wounded during the clash and were hospitalized for treatment. Eight suspects were apprehended and have been released to their parents on bail. The investigation is ongoing.”
The police are still investigating the cause of the clash, and it’s unclear what triggered the violence. The incident emphasizes the need for increased security measures in schools to prevent such clashes.
I advise parents, educators, and authorities to take proactive steps to address the root causes of violence in schools. By promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, and respect, we can create safer learning environments for all students.
Source: Leadership
