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In a show of support and commitment, the Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, alongside the Honourable Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu, visited pupils injured in a recent explosion at LGEA Primary School, Ater, in Ukum Local Government Area. The visit, which took place on Thursday, aimed to assess the condition of the affected pupils and evaluate the damage to the school premises.
During the visit at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Zaki-Biam, Dr. Adagba emphasized the delegation’s mission to ensure the well-being of the pupils and the swift repair of the school facility. “These children are very dear to us and to the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. We are here to ensure that their situation improves and that they are taken back to school as soon as possible,” she stated.
The team also received updates on the pupils’ medical conditions. Earlier, Hon. Modi Jonathan, Chairman of Ukum Local Government Council, disclosed that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the source of the explosion. Despite being away on an official assignment during the incident, he promptly directed that the victims be taken to a good hospital for urgent treatment. He noted that three of the victims are set to be discharged, while one with a severe eye injury will be referred to Makurdi for specialized care.
Rev. Sr. Susan Tonguve (SON), the Managing Director of St. Anthony’s Hospital, confirmed that the children have been stabilized, with only one still facing a serious eye challenge. She assured that the hospital is doing everything possible to treat them effectively.
On behalf of the parents, Mr. Mnzungwega Yongo expressed gratitude to the Benue State Government for its immediate response. The Director General of Special Projects, Benue State, Professor Akpen, also announced plans to visit the affected school to assess the extent of damage and initiate repairs.
The SUBEB Executive Chairman and team further cleared all medical bills for the affected pupils and paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Chairman of Ukum Local Government Council and the Ukum Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) office. Other notable members of the visit team included Permanent Secretary Basic Education, Mrs. Bibiana Tyoishi, Board Secretary SUBEB, Dr. Joseph Jande, and several other officials.
Dr. Adamu commended the efforts of all involved, highlighting the government’s dedication to the recovery and education of the affected pupils. The incident has underscored the need for enhanced safety measures in schools, a priority the Benue State Government is committed to addressing.
As investigations continue, the community remains hopeful for the speedy recovery of the pupils and the restoration of normalcy at LGEA Primary School, Ater.
