By our Reporter
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Olabisi Onabanjo University has accused operatives of the Nigeria Police Force of assaulting student leaders and opening fire on unarmed protesters during a confrontation at the Oru-Ijebu Police Division in Ogun State.
The allegations were contained in a statement issued on Sunday and co-signed by the SUG President, Kehinde Bamigbose, and General Secretary, Olajire Emmanuel.
According to the union, the incident was triggered by reports that some students had been arrested under “unclear and questionable” circumstances, prompting the SUG Legal Director to visit the police station to verify the situation.
The union alleged that the legal director was physically assaulted by officers while carrying out his duties, claiming he was manhandled and choked. It further stated that another student present at the station was also slapped by police personnel.
The SUG said the situation escalated when the union president and other student leaders arrived at the station to de-escalate tensions, alleging that officers responded with force.
“Without justification, they opened fire on unarmed students,” the statement said, adding that one student was shot in the hand, while several others were injured and arrested.
The union also claimed that bystanders were affected, describing the incident as a violation of human rights and an abuse of power.
It demanded an immediate investigation into the incident, prosecution of officers involved, compensation and medical care for injured students, and the unconditional release of those allegedly detained.
However, the Ogun State Police Command had earlier denied the allegations, stating that no student was detained and that officers only used teargas to disperse a violent crowd that attacked the station.
The incident has generated conflicting accounts from both the police and the students, with calls for an independent investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the clash.
