BUT for the timely intervention of a Police officer, a rather peaceful protest staged by students under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Ondo State could have taken a violent turn as armed soldiers confronted them, attempting to disperse them.
A video footage circulating online shows a soldier cocking his rifle, which escalated tensions. However, a quick intervention by a Police officer prevented the situation from turning violent.
The students had taken to the streets on Thursday to protest against poor governance, rising insecurity, and unfulfilled promises by the state government.
The protest, which saw a large turnout of students, took place on the busy Oba Adesida Road, right in front of the ‘A’ Division Police Station. The demonstrators called on the government to urgently address the growing insecurity in the state.
Carrying placards with messages such as “Our schools are not safe, Mr Governor,” and “You promised our graduates jobs, fulfil your promise,” the students expressed frustration over the worsening security situation.
They highlighted how many students undergoing Industrial Training (IT) through the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) have become victims of kidnappings, with abductors demanding ransom from their families.
The protesters accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of failing to act despite repeated assurances to tackle the crisis.
“The kidnappers are targeting us and collecting ransom,” one of the protesters lamented. They urged the state government to prioritize their safety and take concrete steps to resolve the issue of unemployment among graduates.
As of the time of this report, the state government had not issued an official response. Meanwhile, the students have vowed to continue protesting until their demands are addressed.
Eighteen-Eleven Media