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A block of classrooms was burnt down as fire wreaked havoc at the Okaro Primary School, Urhonigbe, Orhionmwon, Benin, in Edo State on Saturday.
The Edo State Universal Basic Education Board, Onomen Briggs, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time.
She also said that investigations were currently being conducted by the relevant authorities within SUBEB.
The statement read, “The Edo State Universal Basic Education Board is deeply saddened to report that a fire incident occurred over the weekend at Okaro Primary School, Urhonigbe, resulting in significant damage to a block of classrooms.
“We are grateful that the incident took place outside school hours and no students or staff were present at the time.
“The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, but investigations are currently being conducted by the relevant authorities within SUBEB.”
Briggs said SUBEB has deployed a fact-finding team to assess the extent of the destruction and determine the necessary interventions.
According to the SUBEB boss, the delegation, led by Angela Okpanem, a board member for Edo South, includes Director in Charge of Schools, Austin Otas and other senior SUBEB officials, adding that the team will conduct a thorough on-site assessment to guide the government’s next steps.
She added, “SUBEB is actively exploring alternative arrangements to ensure that pupils can continue their education without significant delays. Details of these arrangements will be communicated to parents, guardians, and the public as soon as they are finalised.
“We deeply appreciate the support and concern expressed by members of the Urhonigbe community and assure them that SUBEB is working diligently to restore normal operations at the school as quickly as possible.
“Further updates will be provided as investigations and recovery efforts progress.”
