No light for one month: Federal Polytechnic students obstruct traffic, attack police over power supply

by Godwin Akanfe

Students of the Federal Polytechnic of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti, took to the streets to protest against epileptic power supply in their community, while a hostel for the Junior Staff of Afe Babalola University, in the same location had been enjoying light.

The angry students who had not seen any power for over a month in Erinfun community, tried to vandalise the University hostel and threw stones at the vehicle of the founder, Afe Babalola (SAN).

The protest which began on Saturday morning, disrupted traffic along Ado-Ijan-Ikare highway, leading to a clash with security officials who arrived to calm the situation.

Police officials tried dispersing the students by firing canisters of tear-gas into the air, but the advancing students in return threw stones and canisters of the expended tear-gas at the police.

The management of the school has however denied that the protesters were students of the institution.

The Deputy Registrar (Information), Ade Adeyemi-Adejolu, said the protesters were “youthful elements residing at the settlement who are masquerading as students”.

“We wish to further state that students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, are law abiding and would not condescend so low to embark on such an ignoble act.”

The State’s Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Babayemi, said 30 students were arrested and would be charged to court for breach of public peace.