How simple varsity protest turned into shooting practice for Policemen in Kogi
The Student Union Government of the Kogi State University, Ayingba, has alleged that the Speaker of Joint Campus Committee, Mr. Usman Attaja, and 15 other students, were shot by some armed policemen during a peaceful protest by the students early on Wednesday over the closure of all state-owned higher institutions.
“The protest was meant to be a peaceful campaign but it was dispersed when policemen started shooting and firing tear gas at us. We had to run for our lives. The injured students have been taken to a nearby hospital,” an eye witness who pleaded anonymity, said.
Meanwhile, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, has warned the Governor of the state, Mr. Yahaya Bello, not to test the will or the resolve of Nigerian workers to see through the task of preserving democracy in the state.
“We find it necessary to state that tertiary institutions owned by the Kogi State have been on strike for over six months over unpaid salaries. In the said period, the students took it upon themselves to mediate between the workers and the government.
“Whereas the workers were ready to make concessions, the government refused to shift ground. The impact of the strike on all the parties has been great, with the students worse hit. We find it saddening that instead of commending the students for their initiative and patriotism, the state government elected to criminalise the peaceful protest.
“We advise the governor to pay, without further delay, outstanding salaries and pensions, and negotiate with striking workers, instead of intimidating or incarcerating students,” Wabba said.
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