Gabriel Efo, Uyo
The dust is yet to settle over a recent clash in Government Technical College, Ewet Offot, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The February 19 crisis, which was between students believed to be members of opposing cult groups escalated when men of the Nigeria Police Force stepped in to make arrests. Policemen were said to have been attacked by the irate students.
Valuables worth millions of naira were looted or destroyed on that fateful day.
Information has also emerged about a teacher, who lost an eye to the crisis.
Mr. Uwa Nelson, a Mathematics teacher under the N-Power scheme, is a member of the disciplinary task force of the school. He was among teachers, who tried to restore calm in the school after some junior students attempted to storm out of the premises during official hours.
READ ALSO: http://Oshiomhole’s many sins
In the ensuing pandemonium, Nelson, a native of Mbiabam community in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was hit on the eye by a stone apparently hurled by one of the errant students. His right eye instantly shut. Blood gushed out copiously. Nelson sank to his knees and collapsed to the ground. He was later taken to a safe location by good Samaritans.
Now, his only tool for vision is his left eye.
Medical checks show that his cornea, retina and lens were damaged. Two surgeries have been conducted so far. His cornea and retina were stitched even as the badly damaged lens was removed.
“Doctors are waiting for the cornea and retina to heal before attempting to install an artificial lens during a third surgery. It’s a very delicate and risky operation. But the chance of the cornea and retina healing is very slim. The third surgery is likely to be conducted by a team of foreign experts,” a source told this reporter.
The school reportedly bankrolled the first two surgeries. Nelson’s family have so far spent over a million Naira on the issue.
Funding for the proposed third surgery is unavailable, this reporter was told.
Nelson is currently battling severe eye pains, and his family has spent a fortune on purchasing recommended eye-drops and drugs for him.
Despite being aware of Nelson’s plight, the Akwa Ibom State Government and the N-Power scheme are yet to wade in to ameliorate his condition.
