In response to concerns raised over the whereabouts of the Free School Buses, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Abinye Pepple has announced that the buses are back on the road and running.
Pepple, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Soparagha Jumbo, disclosed this on Monday, February 2, 2026 in a telephone interview with Kristina Reports.
He dismissed insinuations about the disappearance of the buses, dismissing such claims as “embarrassing”, saying the buses were away for a few days to undergo routine maintenance.
“They were out for a few days for maintenance. Technicians from Port Harcourt were brought in and materials were procured to service the vehicles.”
“They are done now and the buses have started running today. Bonny children can now have their buses back and in good condition.”
Pupils of Central Primary School, Hospital Road, Bonny boarding one of the Free School Buses after school hours on Monday, February 1, 2026.
The Chairman also revealed that there are plans to increase the number of buses by his administration with a view to have more children enjoy the dividends of the scheme which was initiated by his predecessor.
“Our administration believes in continuity, so when we came and met the scheme, we continued with it”, Pepple said, reiterating the commitment of his administration to continually protect the interest of the children, their parents and guardians.
“The interest and wellbeing of Bonny children is at the core of our administration’s policies and programmes. We will continue to protect the interest and wellbeing of Bonny children.”
The Council boss further mentioned that the administration believes in continuity, hence the necessary efforts put in place to sustain the project initiated by the immediate past administration.
Concerned residents of Bonny including the immediate past Chairman of the LGA, Anengi Claude-Wilcox had raised alarm last week over the absence of the buses on he road.