A teacher narrowly escaped death on Tuesday after part of a dilapidated classroom block collapsed at the Community Primary School in Oyorokoto, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident, which occurred during school hours, left the teacher injured and triggered panic among pupils and staff, many of whom fled the scene in fear.
Eyewitnesses said the crumbling structure gave way without warning while the teacher was actively conducting a lesson.
The victim, whose name had not been disclosed as of press time, was reportedly rescued by colleagues and community members before being taken for medical attention.
Sources within the community told PLATFORM TIMES that the affected block had long shown visible signs of wear, with cracks and weak foundations left unattended for years. Despite this, teachers were compelled to continue using the building due to the lack of alternative classrooms.
“The teacher was just doing their job, trying to educate our children in a building everyone knew was unsafe,” said a resident who gave his name as Boma. “We’ve cried out several times, but the government has ignored us.”
The group Connect Andoni, a local civic watchdog, confirmed that the building had been flagged in previous reports as unfit for learning activities, citing neglect by the authorities responsible for education infrastructure in the state.
Community leaders have now renewed calls on the Rivers State Government to urgently intervene and renovate the school, warning that continued inaction could lead to more devastating consequences.
“The lives of both teachers and pupils are at risk,” said one local chief. “We cannot continue to pretend everything is fine when our children sit under roofs that could collapse at any moment.”
Efforts to get a response from the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB) were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
