Tension gripped Kwara State Polytechnic (KWARAPOLY), Ilorin, on Wednesday after the presence of operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) triggered panic among students.
The situation, which coincided with ongoing examinations, led to confusion across the campus as students fled in different directions.
Eyewitnesses said the presence of armed operatives heightened fear, with videos circulating online showing an officer allegedly chasing a student.
A student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “We suddenly saw people running in different directions.“Nobody really understood what was happening at first, but the presence of armed operatives created fear across the campus.”
Another student added: “It is wrong for such operations to take place when students are writing exams.
It disrupted the entire atmosphere and left many of us shaken.”The development sparked a protest by some students, who reportedly burnt tyres along parts of the Old Jebba Road leading to the institution.
Remnants of the protest, including burnt tyres, were still visible at the entrance during a visit to the campus.
Security was later reinforced, with a police van from the Oke-Oyi Division stationed at the main gate to maintain order.In a statement, the management of the Polytechnic said calm had been restored.
It said: “The management wishes to inform the general public, particularly parents, guardians, and commuters, that a peaceful academic environment has been fully restored on campus and its immediate surroundings following a brief protest by a few students earlier today.”
The institution clarified that the EFCC operation did not take place within the campus.It said: “The incident originated from reports of security operatives conducting official duties in the nearby Agbede village, an action which reportedly caused concern among some students.
“It is important to note that no arrests of students were made during the security operation.”The management added that only a small number of students were involved in the protest and praised security agencies for their response.
It said: “The swift and professional intervention of combined security agencies and the Polytechnic’s own security personnel ensured the situation was contained promptly and without escalation.”It also assured that academic activities continued as scheduled.
It said: “Students scheduled for morning examinations have been checked in by their invigilators, and exams are ongoing as planned.”
Reaffirming its commitment to safety, the institution urged the public to go about their activities without fear.It said: “The road is clear and safe for travel.
The Polytechnic remains committed to the safety, welfare, and academic progress of all its students and staff.”
Efforts to get a response from the EFCC Ilorin Zonal Command were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to its spokesperson, Ayodele Babatunde Joseph, were not returned at the time of filing this report. https://youtube.com/shorts/5q6HjziO_tg
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