Tension Erupts: LP’s Akpata Engages In Confrontation With Security Agents And UNIBEN Students, Resulting In Chaos

Several individuals have sustained injuries following a clash between security personnel affiliated with Olumide Akpata, the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Edo State, and members of the Student Union Government (SUG) at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). The incident occurred when SUG members disrupted a meeting between Akpata and senior lecturers of the university.

According to an eyewitness, the meeting at the university’s staff club was proceeding peacefully until the arrival of the SUG members, who demanded an explanation for Akpata’s presence on campus without their prior knowledge. Tensions escalated quickly, resulting in verbal exchanges and physical altercations. Allegedly, a senior lecturer pinned down a SUG officer, leading to further confrontation. The situation worsened when police officers accompanying Akpata reportedly opened fire.

Another witness clarified that the event was unrelated to UNIBEN students or the SUG, as it involved the National Association of Labour Party Students. Despite efforts by senior lecturers to persuade the SUG members to leave and allow the event to proceed, the situation remained tense. Contrary to earlier reports of gunfire, this witness claimed that no one was shot, although a lecturer was allegedly pushed and sustained severe injuries.

The incident underscores the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts on university campuses, emphasizing the importance of respecting academic spaces and processes.

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