Some aggrieved students of the Kwara State University, Malete, on Thursday, attacked the divisional police station in the town after a raid on suspected black spots by operatives of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency around the school premises.
Reacting to the development on Friday, the state police command, through the spokesperson, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, said “reports indicated that the gatherings, which began at about 1600hrs, centered around grievances related to the recent raids on black-spots around the school’s premises by operatives of NDLEA.
“Students living off campus expressed their dissent, marched from various parts of the town to Okoru Junction close to Malete Police Division, carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “Say No to NDLEA.”
She explained that efforts were made to engage with the students, persuading them to return to their respective hostels and maintain peace.
“In the process, they encountered a white Toyota Hilux vehicle with registration number Lagos AGL 574 HZ, occupied by four armed policemen from Ila-orangun led by Inspector Ibrahim Ali and three others on an official assignment to Malete.
“They were mistaken for operatives of drug law enforcement agents. Consequently, the students chased them to Malete Divisional Police Headquarters, where the students began to throw stones into the police station.
“Regrettably, this led to some damages to the rooftop of the station and wind screen of vehicles parked in the station. The Policemen fired tear gas cannisters to disperse the violent crowd and prevent further damage at the police station.
“Additionally, one police officer, PC Fayemi Kehinde, sustained minor injuries as a result of the stones thrown at the police station. He was given first aid treatment at the hospital and discharged,” she added.
Meanwhile, OsunDailyNG reports that the DPO Shao Division and three other tactical teams are presently on ground to support the efforts in de-escalating the situation.
The state Police Commissioner, Victor Olaiya, has urged all students of KWASU involved in the attack to exercise some restraints and work towards resolving issues through peaceful dialogue.
