In "Dead Men's Path" by Chinua Achebe, how does the headmaster prevent the villagers from using the path?

As the story begins, Michael Obi has just been appointed the principal of Ndume Central School. Energetic and ambitious, Michael entertains high hopes for turning the school into an academically progressive powerhouse. However, his aspirations are dashed when he discovers a much-used footpath marring the beauty of the newly landscaped school compound.

Michael Obi thinks that the footpath is a symbol of a socially backward culture steeped in superstition and primitive religiosity. He is astonished...

As the story begins, Michael Obi has just been appointed the principal of Ndume Central School. Energetic and ambitious, Michael entertains high hopes for turning the school into an academically progressive powerhouse. However, his aspirations are dashed when he discovers a much-used footpath marring the beauty of the newly landscaped school compound.

Michael Obi thinks that the footpath is a symbol of a socially backward culture steeped in superstition and primitive religiosity. He is astonished that the teachers have continued to tolerate such a state of affairs and sets out to do something about the footpath.

Accordingly, the headmaster prevents the villagers from further using the path by blocking the entrance and exit walkways with heavy sticks. The blocked path is also strengthened with barbed wire in these two places. Soon, Michael Obi is visited by the village priest of Ani; the priest begs the principal to reconsider opening up the footpath again, but Michael Obi remains resolute. The story ends in tragedy; one morning, the principal discovers the once beautifully landscaped school compound and campus grounds destroyed beyond recognition and one of the school buildings torn down.