Nigeria: Akwa Ibom suspends 71 pupils over attempt to burn school

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A total of 71 pupils of the Government Secondary School, Etoi in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have been suspended for allegedly attempting to burn down the school. It was gathered that some pupils alleged to be members of a cult group took the law into their hands and vandalised the school property. The pupils also held the Principal hostage for several hours and attacked security personnel in the school.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof Nse Essien, announced the suspension when he led some management staff of the ministry and other stakeholders in the education sector to assess the situation, with a view to proffering a lasting solution.
Expressing his dismay at the attitude of the pupils, Essien said the school was the right of everyone and it should be protected.  He said the Akwa Ibom State Government would not fold its hands and allow hooligans take over the school.
The commissioner added that anybody found culpable would be severely punished.