Police Offer Reason, Kaduna Govt Denies Deploying Security Personnel to Kill Protesting Students
Kaduna State government made 100 percent increment in School fees at the state College of Education (Gidan Waya), and warned students not to protest.
But the students defied the no-protest order and came out to register their displeasure over the hike in fees.
Two students were killed by the police in the process, and the police offered a justification.
The Kaduna State police command spokesman, ASP Muhammed Jalige, said in a press statement on Monday that the students converged and blocked the Gidan Waya – Kafanchan Federal Highway in an “unruly and riotous” manner.
He said “At a point, the protesters blocked the convoy of a military sector Commander injuring him and one other. The situation resulted in a fracas where three protesters were injured in an attempt to use minimal force to disperse the riotous students. The victims were taken to the hospital for medical attention but unfortunately, one person died while receiving medical attention.”
National president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Sunday Asefon, said the association will relocate its national congress to occupy Kaduna to protest tuition increases in the state, describing it as “insensitive, unreasonable and unrealistic.”
He said NANS rejected the recent spate of 1000% increment of schools fees and other related fees in state-owned tertiary institutions in Kaduna, and asked Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-rufai to reverse the hike within 21 days.
We did not deploy security operatives
Kaduna State government has however refuted claims that it deployed security operatives to suppress protesting students at the state, which led to the death of students.
State commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said in a statement on Monday that the government is awaiting briefings to enable it understand the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate violent incidence in Gidan Waya.
“In the preliminary report received so far, one student lost his life and some others were wounded, while three security personnel also sustained injuries,” he said.
“At the time of this update, the Governor is awaiting reports from the military, police, DSS, the management of the institution, the student union as well as the traditional institution in the area.
“The government will publicise its findings after receipt of the expected reports,” the statement said.
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