Students of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Friday, took to the streets over kidnapping of the Students Union President, Mr. Sodiq Rabiu and others by men of the Nigerian Army.
Recall that Rabiu was arrested, on Thursday, for interfering in a dispute between students and military.
According to sources, the students leader and a large number of his colleagues were apprehended by soldiers stationed at Ilese Barracks.
A statement from a student leader reads, “A few hours ago, uniformed men of Nigerian Military invaded the students’ community of our dear University and melted absolute injustice, extortion and assaults on peace-loving students.
“TASUEDITES who are going by their legitimate and calm businesses were cornered at CONOIL Filling Station, the Express Road that leads to the university’s second gate.
“They were arrested and assaulted for no reason. To make things worse, the soldiers asked students to bail themselves with N50, 000 and those who could not do that were detained and taken away (most likely to the barracks).
“The Senate President was also severely injured and many comrades were beaten, whipped and abducted by the military men. The Students’ Union abhors this act in its totality, very displeased and frowns on the reaction of the custodian of the university to the matter when contacted.
“As at the time of making this statement, the President of the Union was still in the custody of the military men.
“Very assertively, the Students’ Union has declared lecture and exam free day tomorrow, Friday, October 29, 2021, to press home this unjust exploitation and assault.
“This is a total embarrassment and threat on our university community as a whole, and we will not let it go unchecked.”
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“Scores of students were brutalised and injured, including the Senate President. Meanwhile, the President is still in custody at the Ilese Barracks with other students. And we shall together make effort to release those still in the custody of this disgraceful and embarrassing men of Nigerian Army.”
TASUED Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wole Banjo confirmed that the military personnel arrested the students.
According to Prof. Banjo, “I appeal to students to stay calm. I assure you that we are working to ensure the peaceful resolution of the matter.”
Commissioner for Education in the state, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, gave a similar assurance saying, “We are on top of the situation.”