The Abia state government, on Thursday, shut down the Union Primary School, Afaraukwu in Umuahia North LGA on grounds that suspected explosives were found in the classroom.
According to the information commissioner, John Kalu, the decision was taken to protect the pupils.
Mr. Kalu said the explosive devices may be relics of the civil war era, owing to “evidence of corrosion”, adding that the state government is collaborating with security agencies to uncover the source and nature of the devices.
“While initial examination of the devices shows evidence of corrosion leading to suspicion of the materials being relics of the civil war era, we are awaiting a definite official report from the EOD squad of the Nigeria Police who are currently investigating the incident.
“Meanwhile, necessary measures have been taken to protect the pupils and staff of the school with security sweeps ongoing while the school is temporarily closed.
“While we are grateful to God that there is no harm to life or property, we urge citizens and residents to continue to maintain vigilance and report suspicious situations to security agents,” the statement read.
The discovery comes three days after the state government imposed a 6 am to 10 pm curfew as gunmen attacked a federal correctional facility and police command headquarters in Imo state.
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