…VC appeals for calm
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The management of the University of Benin, yesterday, appealed to students of the institution to be calm as discussions were on to resolve the issues that led to the clash between students and soldiers at the university.
A soldier from the S & T Barracks in Benin City was alleged to have Thursday evening, attempted to jump ATM queues at the Ugbowo campus of the University of Benin in desperation to withdraw money, but was resisted by students.
The soldier in frustration, reportedly attacked a female student who he alleged was using her mobile phone to video him, forcing students of the University to react, even as the soldier was said to have attacked security men who attempted to intervene. What followed was ‘free-for-all’.
Consequently, soldiers who mobilized from the Barracks for retaliation reportedly attacked anyone in sight and damaging several vehicles in the process.
But the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Lillian Salami while reacting to the incident in a statement yesterday, said “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 queues 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”.