The Head of St. Winifred’s Secondary School, Ihugh, Fr. Isaac Shalegh, has apologized to students and their parents following four fire incidents that have disrupted the school’s operations, expressing regret over his inability to guarantee their safety.
In an emotional letter addressed to the students, their parents and guardians, Shalegh said he was deeply pained by the recurring incidents and could no longer assure them of their safety in the host community under the present circumstances.
The cleric’s apology followed another fire incident that forced students to flee the school, bringing the number of reported fire incidents to four.
“Four times! Yes, four times, our school community has been thrown into the terror of fire incidents,” he lamented, describing the latest incident as “the final straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Shalegh recalled that after the first two incidents, he repeatedly assured the students that better days were ahead. However, the third incident tested their confidence, with the students reportedly rejecting further assurances and pleading for the return of their “poor but peaceful home.”
He said some students subsequently had to continue their education in other institutions while awaiting the reconstruction of damaged buildings.
According to him, relevant stakeholders, including members of the host community, had promised that the affected buildings would be reconstructed within three months, ahead of the students’ return in September 2026.
He also said assurances were given that those responsible for the incidents would be brought to justice.
“I believed them!” he declared, expressing disappointment that the students returned to find conditions far removed from what had been promised.
The priest further disclosed that on Friday, October 9, 2026, students reported suspicious activity suggesting an attempt to set another hostel building on fire. He said he contacted relevant authorities and other stakeholders in an effort to prevent further escalation.
However, another incident occurred on Sunday morning before the matter could be fully resolved, forcing students to flee for safety.
Describing the emotional toll of the latest incident, Shalegh said some students did not arrive home until about 11 p.m., leaving their parents and guardians anxiously awaiting news of their safety.
“I am deeply sorry,” he wrote, asking the students and their parents to forgive him for the assurances that failed to translate into the peace and security they deserved.
He stressed that he never intended to mislead the students, adding that his promises had been motivated by a genuine desire to protect them and secure their future.
“I can no longer promise you the safety of remaining in this community under the present circumstances,” he stated, acknowledging the limits of his influence despite his efforts.
Shalegh, however, expressed hope that the students would eventually obtain justice, insisting that their experiences should not be forgotten.
He urged them to remain hopeful, protect their moral values and continue pursuing their education despite the disruption.
“Your lives remain precious, your education remains important, and your future remains worth fighting for,” he advised.
The priest also assured the students and their parents that arrangements would be made regarding the continuation of their studies, promising that they would be informed of the next course of action.
While thanking parents and guardians for their patience, he expressed deep regret over the fear and disappointment caused by the recurring incidents.
He concluded with an emotional message to the students, describing them as daughters whose welfare remained dear to him.
“I loved you, I fought for you, and I wanted nothing but the best for you,” he said, asking forgiveness for the promises he could not fulfil and the peace he could not secure.
