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The Benue State government has declared its commitment to the wellbeing of pupils injured in school explosion.
Executive Chairman, Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, gave the assurance when she led a team on a visit to pupils of LGEA Primary School, Ater in Ukum Local Government Area, who were involved in an explosion on the school premises at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Zaki-Biam
“These children are very dear to us and to the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. We are here to ensure that their situation improves and that they are taken back to school as soon as possible,” Adagba, who was in company of the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu, said. Also on the team were Permanent Secretary Basic Education, Mrs Bibiana Tyoishi, Board Secretary, Dr. Joseph Jande, Director Monitoring and Evaluation, Patricia Gbuuga, Director, Social Mobilisation, Kingley Ingyulan and Desk Officer Security, Jeremiah Mtsenga.
Dr. Adagba explained that the visit was to assess the condition of the affected pupils, as well as the level of damage to the school. She assured that immediate steps would be taken to commence repairs on the school facility.
Dr. Adamu thanked the Chairman of Ukum Local Government Council, Modi Jonathan, for his prompt intervention in ensuring the well being of the children. She also commended the Management of St. Anthony’s Hospital for providing timely medical attention and expressed hope in God for the pupils’ speedy recovery.
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Modi Jonathan disclosed that investigations were ongoing to ascertain the source of the explosion. He explained that he was away on official assignment when the incident occurred but immediately directed that the victims be taken to a good hospital for urgent treatment. He further revealed that three of the victims were already set to be discharged, while one with a severe eye injury would be referred to Makurdi for specialized care.
Managing Director of St. Anthony’s Hospital, Rev. Sr. Susan Tonguve, confirmed that the children had been stabilised with only one still facing a serious eye challenge and assured that the hospital was doing everything possible to treat them effectively.
Responding on behalf of the parents of the affected children, Mr Mnzungwega Yongo, appreciated the state government for responding immediately to the situation.
SUBEB boss, education commissioner and the team cleared all medical bills of the affected pupils and later visited the Chairman of Ukum Local Government Council as well as the Ukum Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) office.
