Yumbe school closed over strike
It is reported that the students on Friday went on strike, accusing the school administration of failing to organise the inauguration of their leaders, which was initially scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026.
The students reportedly advanced to the school compound, smashed the glasses of the classroom blocks, offices, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) room, and the library. (Photo by Adam Gule)
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Students of Valley View Secondary School in Bidibidi refugee settlement in Yumbe district have been suspended indefinitely, and the school closed following a violent strike.
It is reported that the students on Friday went on strike, accusing the school administration of failing to organise the inauguration of their leaders, which was initially scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026.
During the violent strike, the students allegedly attacked the school headteacher, Claudin Dawa, beat her and looted her family belongings, including chicken.
The students reportedly advanced to the school compound, smashed the glasses of the classroom blocks, offices, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) room and the library.
The students later locked the main office, ICT room and the library and went away with the keys.
He said the school administration did not deny the students an inauguration ceremony, but the event had just been pushed from Friday, July 10, 2026, to July 21, 2026.
Mili claimed that the rescheduling of the day was due to a demand by the Muslim students who argued that arranging the event on a Friday would interrupt their prayers.
"The students were to have their inauguration of their leaders on Friday, but a section of Muslim students requested that the event be changed because it was not favouring them. So, the school administration decided to push the day ahead. Instead, students turned rowdy," he said.
According to Mili, the students will remain at home until the board sits to discuss their return.
He said they did not arrest any student, but investigations into the matter continue.
Rasul Luriga, the District Education Officer, condemned the incident.
He said strikes are not the best way to address grievances in schools.
Luriga challenged the students to learn positive grievance-solving mechanisms and to always be tolerant in all situations in life.
"The students have their leadership. That's the channel to the administration. It's improper for the students to turn violent when they have grievances," he said.
Luriga appealed to the parents to always talk to their children. "Our parents need to talk to their children. The strikes are due to indiscipline of the children," said Luriga.