Protesting MAPOLY students allegedly attack Ogun Deputy Governor's convoy

The Deputy Governor of Ogun State reportedly escaped an attack by irate students during a protest 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 Governors convoy encountered the demonstrators around the OPIC Roundabout-Iwe Irohin area of Oke-Ilewo, leading to a confrontation. According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, 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. 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 Governors 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 Governors 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 governments policies. He denied any form of violence from the protesters, calling the allegations against them false. The post Protesting MAPOLY students allegedly attack Ogun Deputy Governor's convoy appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.