Thunderstorm Sparks Fire, Sacks Ekiti Pupils

A devastating fire ignited by a thunderstorm on Sunday razed the building of Saint Peter’s Primary School in Igbemo, Ekiti State. The fire, which was sparked by a thunder strike during a stormy downpour that lasted for over an hour, destroyed the building comprising five blocks of classrooms.

Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident, as it occurred when the pupils and teachers were at home. However, the fire has displaced the pupils, who have been relocated to a nearby school, AUD Pilot Nursery Primary School, to continue their learning.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, paid an inspection visit to the affected school on Monday, accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Monisade Afuye. During the visit, Oyebanji promised to rebuild the destroyed structure, ensuring that the pupils can return to their original school without delay.

The governor expressed his sadness over the incident, lamenting the dislodgement of the pupils from their original base. He commended the teachers for their swift response in relocating the pupils to a nearby school, demonstrating their commitment to the academic growth of the pupils.

Oyebanji stated, “The structure razed down will be rebuilt in due course, so that the pupils and teachers can heave a sigh of relief after the fire incident. We are happy that no life was lost, because it happened when the pupils and teachers were at home.”

The governor also addressed concerns raised by the teachers of AUD Pilot Nursery Primary School regarding the unhealthy practices of some residents in the area, who were piling refuse and defecating within the school premises. Oyebanji ordered that these practices be halted immediately, citing the risk of exposing the pupils to infectious diseases.

The Education Secretary, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, Mrs. Adesola George-Ojo, suggested that completing the perimeter fencing around the school would help stem the tide of open defecation within the school premises. George-Ojo emphasized the need to stop these unhygienic practices to prevent the breakdown of diseases within the school and the community at large.

The rebuilding of the destroyed school structure is expected to commence soon, ensuring that the pupils can return to their original school without delay. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for prompt response in emergency situations.