The Deputy Governor of Ogun State reportedly escaped an attack by protesting Moshood Abiola Polytechnic students in Abeokuta.
The students, from the state-owned Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), were demonstrating against the management’s decisions, including an alleged tuition fee hike, delay in mobilization for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the dissolution of the 2023/2024 Students’ Union Executives.
Following the unrest, the institution was shut indefinitely on Monday, January 13, to “protect life and property.” However, the students continued their protests on Wednesday, marching from the school gate through Onikolobo, Panseke, Oke-Ilewo, and other parts of Abeokuta, expressing their grievances.
The Deputy Governor’s convoy was about to run into the students procession around the OPIC Roundabout-Iwe Irohin area of Oke-Ilewo, but quickly make a detour to avoid confrontation with the Students.
The Deputy Governor was en route to the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, to represent Governor Dapo Abiodun at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day event when the clash occurred.
But reacting, the media aide to Ogun State Governor, Kayode Akinmade alleged that the students, upon recognizing the Deputy Governor, charged toward the convoy armed with sticks and other dangerous objects despite security operatives’ attempts to calm the situation. He stated that the convoy had to divert to the Deputy Governor’s lodge to avoid further escalation. He further noted that some security vehicles were damaged and officers injured while trying to maintain order.
However, the Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Ogun Joint Campus Committee, Adeyanju Francis, who led the protest, refuted the claims.
He alleged that it was the Deputy Governor’s security detail who opened fire on the peaceful demonstrators.
Francis maintained that the students were unarmed and had only gathered to express their grievances against the government’s policies.
He denied any form of violence from the protesters, calling the allegations against them false.
