In the early hours of Sunday, unidentified individuals broke into the administrative offices of Alexandre Sambat High School in Makokou, Ogooué-Ivindo province, Gabon. The school, considered the largest secondary establishment in the province, was targeted by intruders who gained access by breaking and re-fixing a window grille and removing window panes. School administrators discovered the break-in on Sunday morning.
According to Bertille Boucher, the school's headmistress, her office was accessed through the ceiling, which showed signs of damage. The intruders rummaged through documents but seemingly left equipment untouched. A thorough check of the office equipment revealed that all machines were still present. Boucher expressed concern about potential data breaches or introduction of malicious elements into the school's systems.
The break-in was not limited to the headmistress's office; the intruders also accessed the office of Estimé Soukamone, the school's second pedagogical supervisor. Soukamone reported that the thieves made off with an envelope containing 92,000 FCFA and a USB drive. The school's administrative offices were vulnerable to the break-in due to the absence of a nighttime surveillance system for several years.
The lack of a nighttime surveillance system at Alexandre Sambat High School has been a pressing concern for administrators. According to Boucher, the school has been without a night guard since the previous one retired three years ago. This security gap poses a significant risk to the school and its community. The headmistress emphasized that even though equipment appeared intact, the contents of the machines and potential data breaches are unknown.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the break-in. The provincial branch of the Judicial Police is working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify the perpetrators. Alexandre Sambat High School, being a prominent educational institution in the region, requires a safe and secure environment for its students and staff.
The school administration is likely to review and revise its security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident highlights the need for adequate security measures, particularly in educational institutions. The stolen items, including the 92,000 FCFA and USB drive, are being investigated as part of the overall case.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the break-in to come forward. Alexandre Sambat High School will likely increase its security presence and implement measures to prevent future incidents. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing security in educational institutions.
Key points
- 92,000 FCFA was stolen during the break-in.
