…as SUG President Amadin Condemns Attack
Lucky Obukohwo ReportingÂ
Following the fracas that broke out between the Students of the University of Benin and the military personnel at the Automated Teller Machine at the University of Benin, Ugbowo Main Gate, the military have reportedly launched a midnight reprisal attack.
According to the Students Union Government (SUG) President, Foster Amadin in a statement issued, signed and made available to Truth Live News, said the army launched the attack at the midnight.
His statement reads thus”Arise Mighty UNIBEN.
“Good morning, fellow UNIBEN Students.
” Again this morning, I am obliged by the tensed atmosphere to write you. First and foremost, I salute our courage and abiding faith in constituted authorities, even in the face of mindless assault to our persons and other similar challenges.
” I have stated unequivocally in my first memo yester night and I wish to reiterate that those involved in a video which has gone viral on media where a Nigerian Soldier was beaten are not UNIBEN Students.
” It is however saddening that after the senseless physical assault of University of Benin Students yesterday by the members of the Nigerian Army, they invaded the School premises again at the unholy hour of 1:am and after shooting sporadically for sometime, they forced their way into the school premises, beat up more students and destroyed Cars.
” This is totally unacceptable in a democratic dispensation.
” Thank God for the timely intervention of our Vice Chancellor, Prof Mrs Lillian Imuetiyan Salami, which led to the retreat of these Soldiers and the restoration of peace.
” Our Vice Chancellor and the entire management team of the University of Benin have relayed our plights to the appropriate authorities including the Commissioner of Police Edo State, Deputy Commissioner CID and others.
” Consequently, mobile Police men have been deployed to the University to ensure the safety of our lives and property.
“This is irrefutably a challenging moment for University of Benin Students and as we go about our academic activities, I beseech everyone of us to desist from spreading fake news which incite and cause unnecessary phobia within the school.
” The University of Benin remains a reputable and prestigious institution committed to the restoration of the dignity of man through the acquisition of knowledge for service.
” In the same vein, the University of Benin Students remain disciplined and law-abiding citizens.
“However, we restate our readiness and commitment to always embrace non-violent resistance to all forms and shades of oppression or intimidation, no matter whom it comes from”.
In a video making the rounds, a man who did not mention his name, went about recording the relics of his damage car and every other ones destroyed by the army.
He lamented that he was not there when the fracas happened between the Students and the army but wondered why he should be meant to suffer for it.
A source who never wanted his name on print said some of the persons beaten during the midnight invasion are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
The Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, who confirmed the incident.
She said measures have been taken to bring the situation to normalcy.