Tension is mounting at Federal Government College (FGC), Warri, Delta State, following repeated sightings of snakes within the school premises, with reports indicating that more than six students may have been bitten in recent weeks.
Sources familiar with the situation alleged that a Junior Secondary School 1 (JS1) student is currently receiving treatment in hospital after suffering a snake bite during one of the incidents.
Fresh panic erupted again on Tuesday after two separate snake sightings were recorded within the school environment.
According to information gathered, one of the snakes was allegedly discovered around the SS2C section of the school, while another was sighted in an open area within the campus, causing fear among students and staff.
Concerned parents and residents have reportedly blamed the recurring incidents on the alleged filthy condition of parts of the school environment, including overgrown bushes and poorly maintained surroundings believed to harbour reptiles.
Sources also claimed that several snakes were recently killed during a fumigation exercise carried out within the school premises, further heightening fears among parents over the safety of their children.
“Students’ lives are precious. Two snake incidents in one day is not good at all,” a concerned source lamented.
Parents are now calling on the management of the college and relevant government authorities to immediately clear surrounding bushes, improve environmental sanitation and strengthen safety measures to prevent further attacks.
As of the time of filing this report, the management of the college had yet to officially respond to the allegations, while the exact number of affected students could not be independently verified.
