By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: For nearly a decade, children of Epame in Udu Local Government Area, Delta State, have faced an uphill battle to access education following the destruction of their only primary school during a violent attack linked to the Aladja-Isaba conflict. Despite repeated pleas, the school remains in ruins, forcing pupils to embark on long, grueling treks to attend classes elsewhere.
Established in 1955 and reconstructed in 2014 by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Epame Primary School was razed in 2016 when gunmen allegedly from Isaba stormed the village. Community leaders insist they were not part of the dispute but suffered collateral damage in the conflict between Aladja and Isaba.
Recalling the harrowing attack, Chief Ezekiel Oweh, chairman of Epame and Utiri of Udu Kingdom, said, “They came at night, shooting and burning houses. Our school was destroyed beyond repair, and a week later, they set our town hall ablaze.”
With the school in ruins, displaced families sought refuge in Aladja, where a community hall now serves as an improvised classroom. However, this makeshift arrangement has proven difficult, as pupils trek over 10 kilometers daily to attend lessons. Many, unable to cope with the distance, have dropped out.
Joseph Borotugbare, a community leader, lamented the state of the abandoned school. “It was once a model school with modern classrooms and a football field. Today, it’s overtaken by weeds. Some of our children now paddle canoes to Oteri just to learn. We need urgent government intervention.”
The displacement has fractured the once-thriving Epame community. Youth leader James Matthew noted the impact on education. “Our children are exhausted from walking long distances daily. Some have given up entirely. Before the attack, our school was one of the best, but now it’s a shadow of its past.”
Samson Ojakovo, another indigene, described the economic and emotional toll. “They burned our homes and scattered us. Without a school, our children’s future is at stake. The government must act fast.”
Determined to revive their community, residents have taken it upon themselves to clear the school premises. “Next week, we’ll start clearing the school grounds as a sign of commitment,” Ojakovo added. “But we cannot do this alone. We need the government’s help.”
Aladja youth leader Bezi Ighotegwolor acknowledged Epame’s plight. “Isaba was fighting Aladja, yet Epame suffered the worst. That school was a beacon of learning, but now both teachers and pupils are displaced. Rebuilding it should be a priority.”
Residents have called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene, urging the Udu Local Government to push for the school’s reconstruction. They believe restoring the school will not only revive education but also encourage displaced families to return home.
Chief Oweh issued a stern warning about the consequences of inaction. “If this school remains in ruins, an entire generation in Epame will grow up without education. We need urgent action before it’s too late.”
For the children of Epame, the struggle continues. Each day, they navigate long, perilous journeys just to learn. For them, a rebuilt school is more than just a structure—it represents hope for a better future.