The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended five suspects, including a mother identified as Dorcas Asije, for allegedly coordinating a violent assault on a school Vice Principal in Akure. The victim, Alexander Rotifa, serves as the Vice Principal of Complete Child Development Centre, Awule, and suffered severe injuries during the attack.
According to preliminary reports, the perpetrators were allegedly hired by Asije and stormed the school premises with the intent to confront Rotifa. Eyewitness accounts claim the attackers were armed with dangerous weapons, leaving the educator visibly battered. While the motive remains under investigation, sources suggest it may be tied to a personal dispute.
The shocking nature of the attack has sent ripples through the educational sector in Ondo State, reigniting discussions on the safety of school staff and administrators across Nigeria. Educators, already navigating numerous systemic challenges, now face the growing threat of physical violence with minimal institutional safeguards.
Law enforcement authorities describe the arrests as a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to combat crime and maintain school safety. The Ondo Police have assured the public that all involved will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance on violence against educators.
This case has also sparked wider debate regarding the responsibility of parents in fostering safe learning environments. While collaboration between parents and schools is critical to educational success, incidents like this underscore the urgent need for proactive engagement by Parent-Teacher Associations and educational policymakers.
Reports of attacks on school personnel are not isolated. Across Nigeria, educators have increasingly become targets of aggression, often stemming from unresolved disputes or lack of regulatory support. The assault on Rotifa adds to the growing list of incidents highlighting the pressing need for reforms and stronger protective measures for teachers and school administrators.