There were reports of heightened tension on Thursday as students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) clashed with some soldiers of the Nigerian Army over what many alleged to be oppression by the security agents.
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The trouble escalated after the soldiers stormed the school premises and allegedly ordered students to lie down while they withdraw money from the school ATM.
This did not go down well with some students, which led to an exchange of words, resulting in the involvement of the institution’s Chief Security Officer (CSO).
The soldiers were alleged to have attacked and slapped the CSO, who had tried to make peace between the soldiers and the students.
A source at the institution said: “The soldiers came into the school to withdraw the new naira notes. And they told all students to lie down. Some Uniben students did not agree and started dragging with them. The fight escalated, and was taken to the school security office.
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“The soldiers slapped the CSO and injured two students who were taken to UBTH. The school security still allowed them to leave. SUG and other comrades got angry and blocked the expressway.
“The soldiers did the same thing yesterday. They told students to lie down while they withdrew money.”
Watch video below:
New Note Scarcity: Uniben Students, Soldiers Clash Over ATM Usage
Nigerian Army Arise TV Mc oluomo Wike Peter Obi is a nollywood Yul edochie joha James brown Manchester United Alabi Oyetola First Bank Zenith pic.twitter.com/BApCJQW3JN
— calabarFATBOY (@calabarFATBOY) February 2, 2023
Confirming the clash, Iwegbu Jennifer, Benin Command 2I/C PRO, said the soldiers from S and T barracks had broken students’ phones and injured some of them, including the Uniben CSO.
Angered by the act, the police spokesperson said students retaliated, and the whole clash escalated.
According to her, the situation was only calmed after the soldiers’ RSM got involved, promising to look into the matter.
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When the PRO of UNIBEN, Mrs. Benedicta Ehanire, was contacted by newsmen, she simply said: “The VC (Vice Chancellor) has spoken to them (students) and the Army authorities.”
Pressed for more details on the action carried out by the institution, she added: “That is all I can say for now,” before dropping the call.
