..attackers repelled by NSCDC personnel

..Catholic church orders immediate closure of school

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Unknown armed men Tuesday night reportedly attacked Father Angus Frazer Memorial High School located at Adeke community, injuring the security personnel on duty.

The armed men were however said to have been repelled by personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, whose timely intervention saved the situation.

The development has forced the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi to order the immediate closure of the school.

The Director of Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Very Rev. Fr. Moses Iorapuu, who confirmed the development to newsmen in Makurdi said the school was closed to enable the authorities investigate the matter.

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Fr. Iorapuu said: “Sad news from one of our schools. An attack was carried out by people suspected to be unidentified gunmen last night at Father Angus Frazer Memorial High School.

“The Principal, Fr. Emmanuel Ogwuche and the students are all safe, except for a security officer who was badly injured in the attack and is receiving attention at the hospital.”

He explained that the attackers gained access to the school compound and were shooting indiscriminately but were repelled by officers of the NSCDC.

The cleric who thanked God that none of the students or staff of the school was killed or kidnapped during the attack called for concerted effort by security agencies to end insecurity in the country.

“We also appreciate the professionalism of the Civil Defence officers who provide security at the school.  These unidentified gunmen tried to raise the ante in their attacks’ strategies on the state, from villagers, farmers, worshippers to students.

“The school is managed by the Via Christi Society, so the Bishop had a meeting with the leadership of the school, the education team of the diocese, and some members of the consultors, where a decision was taken by the church to be proactive to protect the lives of our children.”

He condemned the attacks on schools across the country saying that the ugly trend was rearing its head in Benue describing it as a worrisome development.

He explained that “Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and the management of the school had ordered that the school be shut down to enable them handle the situation.”

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene said she was yet to receive report of the incident.