One of the oldest primary schools in the Bauchi metropolis, located in Kandahar, has been burned down by unidentified youth groups.

The groups allegedly set fire to the primary school for reasons that are yet to be determined.

Reports from the area indicate that the incident occurred on Friday, following an altercation between the youth groups over undisclosed reasons, which led to the school building being set ablaze.

A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told Tribune Online that they were sitting nearby when they suddenly heard voices coming from the school premises but did not know what was happening.

After some time, they noticed flames rising as the roof of the classrooms caught fire, and it became evident that no one could get close enough to assist in extinguishing the fire.

The resident expressed that no one could explain what led to the building being set on fire but mentioned hearing that a group of youths in the area had engaged in a fight for unclear reasons.

He lamented the incident as a significant setback for the community, emphasizing that this was the only primary school serving the area. He noted that with this development, their children would remain at home when schools resume in the new year of 2025.

The resident urged security agencies to identify, arrest, and prosecute the perpetrators to serve as a warning to others who may consider similar actions in the state.

All others to get confirmation of the development from the Police Command failed as the PPRO, SP Ahmed Wakili neither replied to the sms and WhatsApp messages sent to his number nor pick up the phone when his number was called.

Meanwhile, the State Government has expressed deep shock and strong concern over the development describing it as most unfortunate and barbaric as well as a deliberate attempt to provoke wrath from the authorities.

Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board, (SUBEB), Alhaji Adamu Muhammad Duguri who reacted on behalf of the Government, strongly condemned the attack and burning of Kandahar Primary and Junior Secondary School by youths in the community.

He expressed disappointment over parents’ neglect, failing to monitor and guide their children to take responsibility for government facilities in their domains.

Adamu Duguri emphasized the importance of parental involvement in preventing such incidents and promised to investigate the reasons behind the attack and ensure that those responsible would surely face the full wrath of the law.

This incident highlighted the need for community engagement and parental involvement in maintaining public facilities, especially schools.

The SUBEB Chairman said that It is crucial for stakeholders to work together to prevent such incidents and ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for all.

To this end, Bauchi State Government under the leadership of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad is doing everything possible to move the basic education sub sector to the next level by constructions and renovations of schools across the state.

Alh Adamu Mohammed Duguri then appealed to members of the general public to continue to support government policies and programs for the overall growth and development of the state and the basic education sub sector in the state. (Saturday Tribune)