Snakes, Lizards Invade Benue Schools as Teachers, Pupils Abandon Classrooms

Public primary schools in Owukpa, Benue State, are on the brink of collapse, with deserted classrooms overtaken by snakes and lizards due to years of government neglect, insecurity, and lack of teachers.
Iconic institutions like LGEA Primary Schools in Ikwo, Ekere, Achi, and Udaburu now lie in ruins—some without a single pupil or teacher. In schools still operational, one or two teachers manage entire student bodies, often fewer than ten pupils.

Community leaders, former teachers, and alumni lament the government’s failure to recruit replacements since the last major teacher hiring in 2007. The reversal of recent employment by Governor Hyacinth Alia has worsened the crisis.

Despite widespread decay and appeals for intervention, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) denied knowledge of the situation, insisting head teachers failed to report the decline. Repeated efforts to reach education authorities for comment were unsuccessful.

Community members warn that if urgent action isn’t taken, public primary education in Owukpa may disappear completely.