Panic In Ondo State As Parents, Guardians Withdraw Pupils From Schools Over Polio Immunization

By Niyi Olutunde, Akure 

There was panic withdrawal of pupils from both public and private schools in Ondo state yesterday following the fear of immunization by the Health officials which parents and guardians perceived to be dreadly.

Investigation conducted by CityMirrorNews Correspondent across schools in Akure, the state capital could not establish any cases of pupils been immunized but parents however layed siege on school gates for possible attempt to withdraw their wards.

All schools visited like St. Bendans RCM Primary School, Ireakari Community Primary school, Oyemekun Secondary School, St. Peter’s Unity School, Excellence Kids Nursery/Primary and Fiwasaye Girls High school just to mention a are few, parents and guardians were found in their large numbers making frantic efforts to gain entrance to pick their children.

Policemen were also found trying to maintain peace and order.

At Ireakari Community Primary school, Koseunti area and Eji Oba high school, Oba-Ile in Akure North Local Government, Principals of the schools said they could not speak with journalists as ‘Civil Servant’ having been banned by law and higher authority to address the Press.

While responding, the Army Spokesman of 32 Artillery, Akure, Major. Ojo Adelegan disclosed that the security operatives had issued a directives to arrest any ‘fake army’ found in uniform parading himself to assist in the immunization exercise.

However, Ondo state government through the Commissioner of Information, Mr. Yemi Olowolabi described the story as rumor.

His words, “The attention of Ondo state government has been drawn to a rumor in circulation that a forced vaccination exercises is being coordinated around schools in the state.

“The state government wishes to inform parents, students, teachers, school authorities and the general public that the rumor is baseless, unfounded and should be disregarded.

“Real time investigation across the state has shown that non of such things exist in Ondo state.

“The state government therefore advices the public that school students and teachers to go about their normal activities.

“Should there be any strange occurrence, the appropriate authority should be informed immediately”.