Delta goes after fake news source, says schools remain closed till May 30

Delta State Government is going after fake news source that deceived the citizens into believing that primary and secondary schools in the state would reopen Monday, May 4.

But the government has told Deltans that the schools would remain closed till May 30.

Primary and secondary schools in the state had been on compulsory break since March 26 following the government’s directive which said the action was part of measures to curtail the spread of Coronavirus (COVID–19) in the state.

Tertiary institutions and all academic activities were also shut down as part of COVID–19 lockdown measures, which commenced April 1, paralyzing social, economic, religious, and political activities.

On Tuesday, April 28, Governor Okowa announced a partial lifting of the ban on movements within the state, effective April 30, to enable residents of the state to engage in economic activities since the lockdown had brought untold hardship on the people.

Social media platforms began trending with news of the reopening of schools on May 4, crediting the commissioner for basic and secondary education, Patrick Ukah, as having held a meeting where it was agreed that schools would reopen to that effect.

READ ALSO: N9.53trn received in 18 years fails to lift Niger Delta from underdevelopment – NEITI

The news report caused panic among Deltans as they wondered why the schools should be reopened when COVID–19 was still ravaging the state without cure yet.

Some parents and guardians who spoke to BusinessDay frowned over the situation and said they were not ready to release their children/wards to school thereby exposing them to COVID-19.

Commissioner Patrick Ukah while reacting to the development, denied holding meetings, or authorized the holding of any meeting of reopening of schools in the state.

He cautioned mischief makers to stay clear from the activities of the ministry.

He disclosed that relevant authorities would be closing upon the source of the fake news and added that same would be dealt with approximately, to serve as a deterrent to others who harbour such thoughts.

He urged the people of the state to disregard such news and hold on to the May 30th date as earlier announced by the governor.