The people of Okoroagu Community in Etche Local Government Area have appealed to the Rivers State Government to urgently intervene in the deplorable state of the Community Secondary School, Okoroagu, following the recent collapse of a classroom roof that left an SS2 student, Fabian Chinda, injured.
A visit by our correspondent revealed that many classrooms in the school are dilapidated, with most students sitting on the bare floor due to the lack of desks and learning materials.
The Paramount Ruler of the community, Eze Marcus Amadi, lamented that repeated appeals to the government, oil companies operating in the area, and political representatives have gone unanswered.
Similarly, the Community Development Committee Chairman, Elvis Oyesom, expressed disappointment that despite being an oil-producing community, Okoroagu has little to show for it, calling on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to come to their aid.
Some teachers who spoke to Rhythm News said the poor learning conditions have forced several students to withdraw to neighboring schools.
Meanwhile, 14-year-old Fabian Chinda, who sustained a head injury during the roof collapse, said he remains traumatized by the incident.
In reaction, human rights lawyer and Etche indigene, Chetam Thierry Nwala, who visited the school, described the level of decay as shocking, urging both the state and local governments to act swiftly to prevent further tragedies.
Also, rights activist Charles Jaja condemned the situation as unacceptable, stressing that no child can learn effectively in such poor conditions.
