Tragic Snake Attack Claims Life of FCT Primary School Head Teacher
A devastating incident has occurred at the Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School located in the Jamigbe community within Gawu ward of Abaji Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The head teacher of the school tragically lost his life after being bitten by a snake that entered his office through structural cracks.
Details of the Fatal Encounter
The village chief of Jamigbe community, Aliyu, disclosed the heartbreaking details during a visit by Daily Trust. According to his account, the snake entered the head teacher's office through a significant crack in the wall and concealed itself beneath a chair. When the educator arrived at the school in the morning to open his office, the cobra struck as he prepared to sit down.
The snake not only bit the teacher but also spat venom directly into his eyes during the confrontation. Community members immediately rushed the victim to a nearby hospital in Lambata village, Niger State. Despite these urgent efforts, medical personnel pronounced the head teacher dead just a few hours after the attack.
Community Response and Infrastructure Concerns
Following the tragic event, community members mobilized to the office and killed the snake. The incident has thrown the entire Jamigbe community—including parents, teachers, and residents—into profound mourning and fear.
Chief Aliyu directly attributed this tragedy to the severely dilapidated state of the school's infrastructure. The structure, originally built through community efforts years ago, has fallen into complete disrepair. The chief emphasized that the snake gained access specifically through broken walls that have not been properly maintained.
Broader Safety Implications for Students
The safety concerns extend far beyond this single incident. Aliyu noted that pupils in the adjacent classroom were spared only by divine grace, as the walls in their learning areas are similarly cracked and crumbling.
"The pupils sit in a classroom attached to the head teacher's office where the walls are also broken. This is extremely dangerous for the children too," he stated with evident concern.
The school currently operates with just two existing classrooms and lacks a formal administrative block. The community-built office that served as the administrative space has now become the site of this tragedy.
Remembering the Educator and Calls for Action
Chief Aliyu described the late head teacher as a hardworking and deeply committed educator who dedicated himself to his students and community. He offered prayers for the teacher's soul and called for immediate intervention from educational authorities.
The community leader specifically appealed to the Local Education Authority to collaborate with the Area Council or the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) to construct proper classrooms and administrative offices for the school. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for infrastructure investment in educational facilities across Nigeria's rural communities.
