Kwara State Polytechnic Shut Following Violent Protest

The Kwara State Government on Tuesday closed the state’s Polytechnic as part of measures aimed at controlling the violent protest by the students of the institution which had spread to several parts of Ilorin especially the hinterland.

A police truck burnt by protesting students of Kwara State Polytechnic

The students continued their demonstration which they started yesterday following unconfirmed report that one of their schoolmates shot by an anti-riot police officer had died while receiving treatment in a hospital.

When contacted, officials of the University of Ilorin teaching hospital denied the report that the injured student had died. The police and the State Government in separate statements also denied the report.

The protesters had set a police van attached to the government house ablaze at Mubo Street where the Kwara State Governor, Abdulfattah Ahmed was billed to commission the new road. The governor eventually postponed the commissioning of the road as well as the Akerebiata-Kulende road also meant for commission as part of activities marking his second year in office.

Shops and other commercial centres including banks were forced to close as the youths went out to vent their anger on the streets. Areas mostly affected include Muritala, Post-Office, Unity Road, Taiwo, Maraba and others.

It took the police several hours to disperse the protesters. The police fired several shots into the air as well as canisters of tear gas to chase away the protesters who appeared equally armed.
A government house statement signed by the secretary to the state government, Isiaka Gold had earlier been released appealing to the protesting students to remain calm and avoid any actions capable of disturbing peace and order.

The statement described as unfortunate the reported injury of the student by men of the Nigeria Police and called on the students to maintain the peace and disallow miscreants from hijacking their peaceful protests.

Mr Gold said that while government recognizes the students’ right to peaceful protest, the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on anyone apprehended for breaking the law under any guise. Furthermore, he urged parents not to allow their wards to be used for any acts of criminality.

The secretary to the state government called on the students to return to their various homes pending the reopening of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin which has been closed down following the incident.

He assured the students that the state police command has commenced disciplinary proceedings against the police officer at the centre of the incident and will take action to forestall a re-occurrence of the sad incident.