In a press release issued and signed by RIVSCO spokesperson, Tuka Loanyie they described the practice as unacceptable and urged the state government to take immediate action to curb this illegal activity.

Citing the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act (CFUBEA) 2003, which mandates free and compulsory education for children of primary and junior secondary school age, RIVSCO denounced the unauthorized fees being demanded from students.

Loanyie while highlighting the severe impact on poor families, stated that many families struggle to afford basic needs, let alone these illegal fees.

In response to the extortion, RIVSCO outlined several urgent demands to the state government, including immediate investigation and prosecution of those involved in extortion, Increased funding to schools to eliminate the need for unauthorized fees amongst other demands.