The Akwa Ibom State Government has ordered the closure of the Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Aka Offot, in the Uyo Local Government Area of the state after a suspected cultist stabbed an 18-year old SS2 student to death.
It was gathered that the suspect identified as Samuel Archibong, an ex-pupil of the school who was expelled over cult-related issues, stabbed Elijah on Thursday.
It was also learnt that there had been a minor disagreement between the two which ensued into a fight, when the suspect reportedly brought out a knife, stabbed his victim to death and fled.
Confirming the incident, the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, condemned the incident and ordered that the school be shut to enable the State Secondary Education Board and the Ministry of Education investigation processes.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon who also confirmed the incident described it as a barbaric act.
In a statement on Friday in Uyo, Macdon said “It is again regrettable, that yesterday March 1o, 2022, a student of Aka Community Secondary School, one Samuel Effiong Achibong, stabbed his mate, 18 years old James Elijah Adoke, to death. This is not the first time we have witnessed an act of this nature and it is totally unacceptable.
“As a Command, we have to send patrol teams to some secondary schools after closing hours to ensure that students can go home safely, else a fight may ensue. This is not only painful but condemnable.
“The Commissioner of Police, Andrew Amiengheme, is miffed and has condemned the barbaric act. He has called on parents to enshrine germane family values while school authorities are to quickly and discreetly report suspected students with traits of cultism and misdemeanour.
“The CP notes that the Command will, henceforth, deploy its Special Surveillance Units to check excesses of students and nib them in the bud before untoward incidents happen.
“He condoles with the family of the deceased and has assured that the perpetrator will be brought to book, while calling on all hands to be on deck for safer schools and better Akwa Ibom State.”
