UNIBEN Students Protest Assault By Soldiers, Shut School Gate

Students of the University of Benin on Thursday staged a protest against the Nigerian Army over alleged assault on their colleague by soldiers from S&T Barracks, in Benin City.

TALKGLITZ MEDIA gathered that trouble started when some soldiers stormed one of the banks on campus to withdraw money from the Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

Eyewitnesses told this online media that the soldiers would not join the queue or take permission from anybody but forcefully push their way to the front in their numbers.

They were said to have descended heavily on a female student who they assumed was recording their ungodly act on tape. This did not go down well with other students on queue.

Not satisfied, the soldiers, it was gathered, attempted to forcefully abduct the student to their barrack apparently to deal with her but for the quick intervention of the school security department.

In a bid to carry out their plan by all means, the soldiers reportedly pounced on and assaulted the school’s security personnel including the Chief Security Officer (CSO).

The development reportedly led to retaliation from civilians. In a viral video seen by this Reporter, one of the soldiers could be seen on the floor being taught a “lesson” he wouldn’t forget in a hurry. He would later manage to escape and call for backup.

Staff and students were, however, seen stopping a van belonging to the Nigerian Army apparently conveying the backup soldiers from entering the University’s premises.

Efforts to obtain comments from the Nigerian Army, S&T Barracks proved abortive. As at the time of filing this report, Management of the University was yet to react to the development.

But, the students have not taken to the University main gate, blocking a part of the ever-busy Uselu-Lagos expressway and disrupting vehicular movement.

They claim some of their wounded colleagues and security personnel have been taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for medical attention.

Their is tension on campus over fears that the soldiers who have now retreated to their base may return in group to cause trouble for the students. As at the time of filing this report, the University main gate was still shut.

In a statement signed by the Vice Chancellor of the School, Prof. Lilian Salami on Friday, she described the incident as unfortunate and called for calm.

The statement reads, “The unfortunate incident of the clash between some students of our university and soldiers on Thursday 2nd February, resulting from alleged resistance of students to the soldiers’ attempt to jump ATM queue on campus has been brought under control and the management of the University is in discussions with the hierarchy of the S&T for amicable resolution.

“The management acknowledges that these are challenging times for everyone and enjoins all to remain calm while efforts are being made to avert a re-occurrence.

“Management also calls on the students to constantly engage dialogue in resolving issues that concern them rather than taking to protests, at any provocation, thereby causing more injury and damage to themselves and other citizens,” the statement added.