Security agents arrest student leader, others for vandalism

No fewer than nine students of the College of Education, Ekiadolor, Edo State have been arrested for displaying violence and disturbing public peace during a protest.

Students of the college had on Wednesday, last week, staged a protest around the Benin-Ore Expressway over the state of the institution and the plan by their lecturers to down tools.


It was, however, learnt that two cars in the convoy of the Esama of Benin Kingdom in the state, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, which were among other vehicles held up in the gridlock caused by the protest, were allegedly destroyed by the students.


Igbinedion’s convoy was said to be headed for the University of Ibadan for an event, as part of activities to mark his 80th birthday.


A source in the college told our correspondent that the nine students, including the Student Union Government President, Mr. Emmanuel Emenaghamwon, and eight others, were arrested a day after the protest.


They were said to have been taken to a prison facility in the state and might be taken to court on Monday (today).


“I heard that the next day, policemen came and took some of the students.


“As we speak, the students, about nine of them, including the SUG president, some executive members and others, are being remanded in Oko and may be taken to the court on Monday.”


The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Noble Uwoh, could, however, not be reached for comment.


Our correspondent gathered that the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, while inaugurating boards for state-owned tertiary institutions, instructed the members to conduct a prompt investigation on the demand of the striking unions.


Meanwhile, the management of the institution has ordered a close down of the institution, following the protest, and instructed all students to vacate the college, pending a formal notice of a resumption date.


Business centres and banking activities within the school were also shut down.

Tweet