Panic In Anambra, Imo, Delta Over Army Medical Operation In Schools

Fear took over the atmosphere in Anambra State as most primary schools in Anambra state were shut down

and parents withdraw their children from schools following rumours that some soldiers were seen trying to conduct medical exercise at St Patrick primary school in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of the state.

News has it that the medical exercise was part of a programme put in place by the Nigerian Army as part of its social responsibility.

But, it was gathered that the soldiers allegedly began the exercise without creating awareness or informing officials of the state government, hence the teachers and pupils on sighting them took their heels.

Shortly after the chaos, the rumour spread to the entire state and most parents rushed to the schools to withdraw their wards and by10am, all schools in the state were shut down.

However, some school authorities who tried to stop parents from withdrawing their children from their schools faced stiff opposition and they had to succumb to the pressures.

The Anambra State Government has already called for the suspension of the medical outreach with immediate effect.

Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, acknowledged the good intention of the Army, saying that the military did not give the State Government prior knowledge of the exercise.

Similar apprehension has been reported in neighbouring Imo and Delta states over rumours of forceful vaccination of pupils, forcing parents to rush to schools to withdraw their children.