A thunderstorm on Sunday caused a fire that razed the building of Saint Peter’s Primary School in Igbemo, Ekiti State. The fire, reportedly ignited by a lightning strike during a stormy downpour lasting over an hour, destroyed five blocks of classrooms.
Following the incident, teachers relocated the pupils to AUD Pilot Nursery Primary School to continue their education. Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who visited the affected school, assured that the destroyed structure would be rebuilt promptly to allow students to return to their original school.
During the visit, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, Oyebanji expressed sadness over the incident but noted that no lives were lost, as the fire occurred when pupils and teachers were at home. He commended the quick response in relocating the students, highlighting the commitment of the State Universal Basic Education Board to their academic continuity.
The governor also addressed concerns raised by teachers about unhealthy practices in the area, such as refuse piling and open defecation around the school premises. He ordered immediate action to halt these practices to protect the health of the students and staff.
Education Secretary for the Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, Mrs. Adesola George-Ojo, stated that completing a perimeter fence around the school would help prevent such unhygienic conditions, which have plagued the institution for some time.
The situation underscores the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and community health initiatives to ensure a safe learning environment for the students.
