From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Chaos erupted at Silver Bird International School in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, when family members of a J.S.S.1 student, identified as Favour, allegedly assaulted a female teacher, Sonia Amadi, for disciplining their son.
According to reports, the family stormed the school, locked the Administrative Officer in her office for 40 minutes, and threatened to assault her as well. It took the intervention of other parents to prevent further violence.
The Admin Officer, Joy Ajayi, recounted the ordeal: “Three boys barged into my office, locked the door, and threatened to beat me. One even attempted to stab me with a pair of scissors. They were furious that their brother was disciplined at school.”
Despite pleas from teachers and other parents, the family continued their threats, demanding the presence of the police and a lawyer. Ajayi eventually managed to defend herself, prompting the arrival of the father who ordered the boys to release the Admin Officer.
Before the incident at the office, the family had already accosted and assaulted Ms Amadi on her way to school. The mother also slapped the teacher.
The school management has filed a formal complaint at the Ada-George Police Division, and Ms Amadi has been issued a medical form to seek treatment.
The National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, Prince Wiro, condemned the assault and invasion of the school. He urged parents to report any grievances to the Ministry of Education or the police instead of resorting to violence.
Wiro called for a thorough police investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable.