In a stunning revelation that has sparked outrage and disbelief across Edo State, Nigeria, the state government has uncovered and sealed a brothel operating within the premises of Ujuele Primary School in Esan West Local Government Area. This disturbing discovery, announced on May 22, 2025, by Eugene Okolosie, the State Coordinator for the Protection of Government Property (PGP), highlights a broader issue of land grabbing and the misuse of public property in the state. The incident not only raises serious concerns about the safety of public institutions but also underscores the urgent need for stronger oversight and land management policies.
The discovery of a brothel operating within the premises of Ujuele Primary School is nothing short of scandalous. Primary schools are meant to be safe havens for children, places where young minds are nurtured and educated. The idea that such a sacred space could be desecrated by the establishment of a brothel is both unthinkable and deeply troubling. According to Eugene Okolosie, the facility was constructed by suspected land grabbers who exploited government-owned land to set up this illegal operation. The brothel’s existence within the school premises not only compromises the safety and sanctity of the educational environment but also raises questions about how such an audacious violation went unnoticed for so long.
The Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, acted swiftly upon receiving intelligence about the illicit activities. On May 22, 2025, the PGP sealed the brothel as part of a broader initiative to reclaim government property that has been illegally encroached upon. The sealing of the facility marks a significant step in addressing the misuse of public land, but it also opens up a Pandora’s box of questions about oversight, accountability, and the protection of public institutions.
Upon discovering the brothel, the Edo State Government wasted no time in taking decisive action. The PGP, tasked with protecting government property, sealed the facility to prevent further illegal activities. This move sends a strong message that the government is serious about tackling land grabbing and ensuring that public properties are used for their intended purposes. Governor Okpebholo’s administration has made it clear that it will not tolerate the misuse of government land, particularly when it endangers vulnerable populations like schoolchildren.
In addition to sealing the brothel, the government is exploring options for repurposing the property. Okolosie disclosed that discussions are ongoing with the governor to determine the best course of action for the site. Converting the facility into something that benefits the community, such as additional classrooms, a library, or a community center, could help restore the sanctity of Ujuele Primary School and provide a positive outcome from this disturbing situation.
The government’s efforts extend beyond this single incident. The PGP is actively working to reclaim the over 2,000 plots of government land that have been encroached upon. This ambitious undertaking requires coordination, resources, and a commitment to rooting out corruption and inefficiency in land management. To prevent future encroachments, Okolosie has urged property buyers to verify land ownership through the Edo Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS), a platform designed to provide transparent and accurate information about land titles in the state.
Conclusion
The discovery of a brothel in a primary school has sent shockwaves through the Esan West community and beyond. Parents, educators, and residents are grappling with the implications of this breach of trust. Social media platforms, including posts on X, have been abuzz with reactions, with many expressing outrage and calling for stricter measures to protect public institutions. The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about the state of education and land management in Edo State, with some residents questioning the effectiveness of existing policies.
Moving forward, the Edo State Government must take a multi-pronged approach to address this issue. First, it should conduct a thorough investigation into how the brothel was established and why it went undetected for so long. Those responsible, whether land grabbers or complicit officials, must be held accountable to restore public trust. Second, the government should strengthen security measures at schools and other public facilities to prevent similar incidents. Finally, public awareness campaigns about EdoGIS and the dangers of land grabbing can empower residents to make informed decisions and protect their communities.
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