Soldiers Keeping Peace In Jos Deployed To Teach In Nomadic Schools

JOS, PLATEAU, (THEWILL) - No less than 19 soldiers have been deployed to Nomadic schools in Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State to teach pupils various subjects including mathematics and English since their teachers fled in the crises that rocked Plateau state recently.

The Special task force took over the security in Plateau State and has mounted various roadblocks in many parts of the state to ensure peace and security in the state. But following the return to peace, the military men who in the course of their duties have had clashes with various groups and individuals decided to be useful by providing other forms of assistance to the public.

THEWILL gathered that the 19 men chosen are those who have backgrounds in education and experiences in teaching and will be expected to lower their riffles and pick up chalks to assist the nomadic population in that local government.

There have been civil disturbances in the area since January 17 this year when there was an outbreak of violence in Jos.

A visit to some of the schools by our correspondent showed that the lessons have started and the teachers are relying on the syllable left by the teachers who could not return.

The lessons usually start around 9:00 am and lasts till around 1:00pam

STF spokesperson Lieutenant Kingsley Umoh who confirmed this to THEWILL in Jos said soldiers assisting in this regard all have teaching qualifications.

He said the action became necessary in view of the fact that those teaching the children of the Fulanis refused to go there again in fear for their lives.

One of schools to benefit form this idea, Umoh stated was discovered by the Commander of Sector 7 of the STF Lieutenant Col. Abiodun Quadri, who is in charge of the area.

Some of the Fulanis in the village welcomed the idea saying since the crisis, their teachers refused to come to class and they have not been able to continue learning.

One of them who identified himself as Ardo Garba said he was happy that the soldiers have decided to continue where their teachers have stopped saying it makes no difference to him whether the soldiers would be teaching them in army uniforms or not.