THE recent demolition of buildings at Baptist Primary School, Idikan, Ibadan, allegedly carried out by the Baptist Mission, has been described as an attempt at returning government schools to the missions through the backdoor.

The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Oyo State chapter, has therefore demanded that the demolition and the alleged illegal takeover of the school be halted.

NACOMYO decried the development, describing it as an act with negative implications for the educational development of Oyo State.

In a statement signed by the state coordinator of NACOMYO, Alhaj Dawood Afolabi, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the council expressed concern that all appeals by concerned parents on the issue have so far fallen on deaf ears of the authorities.

The apex Muslim youth body stated that unconfirmed reports initially indicated that the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) intended to renovate the school, following the deposit of renovation materials at the school entrance.

However, according to the statement, the Baptist authorities are allegedly preventing concerned parents from gaining access to the school premises.

NACOMYO expressed fear that academic activities may not likely continue in the school by next year if the situation persists.

The council therefore appealed to the Oyo State government to urgently clear the air on the issue in order to avoid a breakdown of law and order in the area. (Nigerian Tribune)