Jungle Justice in Anambra? State Shuts Down School After Principal and Vice Principal ‘Abducted’ by Vigilante Group”

Anambra State government has ordered the immediate closure of Community Secondary School, Awor-Ezimuzor, located in Ezinifite, Nnewi South Local Government Area. This decision comes in the wake of disturbing reports that the school’s principal and vice principal were allegedly arrested and detained by members of a local vigilante group.

The closure, announced on Wednesday, was confirmed by officials of the Anambra State Ministry of Education, who described the incident as both unlawful and deeply troubling. According to preliminary reports, the two senior school administrators were apprehended by the community vigilante outfit under murky circumstances that have yet to be officially clarified. Sources claim that the educators were whisked away from the school premises without a formal complaint or the involvement of the Nigerian Police Force, raising serious concerns about due process, legality, and the growing influence of vigilante groups in the state.

Speaking under anonymity, a senior official in the ministry described the act as “a gross violation of civil liberties and a dangerous precedent that must not be allowed to stand.”

Eyewitnesses said the vigilante group stormed the school compound earlier this week, disrupting academic activities and causing panic among students and staff. Some students reportedly fled the premises in fear as their principal and vice principal were taken away in what appeared to be an extrajudicial action. While the motive behind the arrests remains unclear, speculations range from allegations of mismanagement to unresolved disputes within the community. However, no official charges have been made public as of press time.

The Anambra State Government, reacting swiftly to the unfolding crisis, has not only shut down the school indefinitely but also launched an urgent investigation into the actions of the vigilante group. A statement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Education condemned the incident, reiterating that only duly constituted law enforcement agencies have the right to arrest or detain citizens.

“The rule of law must prevail. Vigilante groups are meant to support law enforcement, not replace it or act with impunity. We will not tolerate any form of jungle justice, especially in institutions of learning,” the statement read.

Parents of students at Community Secondary School, Awor-Ezimuzor, have expressed outrage and fear over the situation, calling on the government to guarantee the safety of their children and ensure that such incidents never recur. Civil society groups and human rights organizations have also begun demanding accountability and legal consequences for those involved in what they describe as “a criminal overreach.”

Meanwhile, the whereabouts and current condition of the detained principal and vice principal remain unclear. Efforts to reach the local vigilante group for comments proved unsuccessful, as they have reportedly gone into hiding following public backlash.

The saga has sparked a broader conversation about the role of vigilante groups in Anambra and other parts of Nigeria. While community-based security outfits have often been credited with reducing crime in areas neglected by conventional security forces, critics argue that their lack of oversight and tendency toward excesses pose a significant threat to the rule of law.

As the state government begins its probe into the matter, residents and stakeholders alike await answers and justice.