By Adesakin Adefemi
Students of Olabisi Onabanjo University have accused police officers of assaulting their leaders and opening fire on unarmed students during a clash at the Oru-Ijebu Police Station in Ogun State.
The incident began after reports emerged that some students had been arrested under unclear circumstances, sparking tensions between the students and the police.
The Students’ Union Government, led by President Comrade Kehinde Bamigbose and General Secretary Olajire Emmanuel, claimed that their legal director was physically assaulted, kicked, and manhandled while trying to verify the situation. Another student was also slapped by officers during the encounter, further escalating the situation.
The union alleged that the police responded with disproportionate force, shooting at unarmed students and injuring several. “A student was shot on the hand; several students were brutalised and assaulted; multiple students were unlawfully arrested; panic and chaos were deliberately instigated through continuous gunfire,” the statement read. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with students running for cover as police fired shots into the air.
The union described the incident as an egregious abuse of power and demanded an immediate investigation, prosecution of officers involved, medical treatment and compensation for injured students, and the unconditional release of those detained. The union also called for the police to respect the rights of students and to engage in dialogue rather than resorting to violence.
The Ogun State Police Command had denied detaining a student, but the union insisted that their members were targeted. The incident has sparked outrage among students and calls for police accountability, with many questioning the police’s role in maintaining law and order.
President Bamigbose and General Secretary Emmanuel vowed not to tolerate intimidation or violence against students, saying they would explore all avenues to seek justice, including taking the matter to court if necessary. The development comes amid conflicting accounts from both the police and the students, highlighting the need for an independent investigation.
The incident has raised concerns about police brutality and human rights abuses in Nigeria, with many calling for reforms in the police force. The union’s demands for justice and accountability highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability within the police force.
As the situation unfolds, students and citizens are calling for calm and peaceful resolution, while demanding that the authorities take concrete steps to address the allegations of police misconduct and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
