Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Tension gripped parts of Old Port Harcourt Township on Friday, June 19, 2026, following reports that students of PABOD Secondary School allegedly went on a rampage after completing their final West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), leaving several residents injured and properties damaged.
According to Trending Video, the students flooded major streets around Bernard Carr Street and Port Johnson Street shortly after concluding their examinations. What was initially expected to be a celebration reportedly turned chaotic as groups of students allegedly engaged in acts of vandalism, intimidation, and physical attacks on residents and business operators within the area.
Residents claimed that the students moved through the streets in large numbers, allegedly attacking passersby, disrupting commercial activities, and damaging properties they encountered. The incident reportedly caused panic among traders, motorists, and residents who scrambled for safety as the situation escalated.
One of the reported victims, a shop owner along Bernard Carr Street, said he was forced to close his business abruptly after witnessing the disturbance.
“They were many and appeared uncontrollable. People started running when they began throwing objects and damaging things around them. Everyone was afraid,” he narrated.
Another resident who claimed to have suffered minor injuries during the incident described the experience as frightening.
“I was returning home when the students started chasing people. I fell while trying to escape and sustained injuries. It was a very disturbing experience,” the resident said.
In a separate incident, a tricycle van carrying sachet water reportedly belonging to St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church was allegedly seized and carted away during the unrest. Witnesses said the vehicle was intercepted while carrying supplies within the township before it was taken by some of the students.
Business owners in the affected areas also recounted their ordeal, stating that the disturbance led to financial losses as customers fled and commercial activities were abruptly halted.
A food vendor operating near Port Johnson Street alleged that some of her items were damaged during the commotion.
“People were running in different directions. In the confusion, some of my goods were destroyed. It was a terrible experience,” she said.
Residents have called on school authorities, parents, and security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Residents also urged educational institutions to strengthen post-examination supervision and sensitization programs to discourage acts of violence and public disorder often associated with the end of secondary school examinations.
As of the time of this report, neither the management of PABOD Secondary School nor security authorities had released an official statement regarding the allegations. Investigations into the incident are expected to continue as affected residents seek justice and compensation for damaged properties and injuries sustained during the unrest.