The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Folorunso Adebanjo, on Tuesday said the police command is not worried about the students of the University of Benin conducting a peaceful protest but thugs hijacking the event and unleashing mayhem on the people of the state.
Mr Adebanjo, who noted that it is their (student’s) constitutional right to protest, however urged students to keep their protest peaceful and not disturb the peace being enjoyed in the state.
“What we are concerned about is the violent one, because we will not allow any break down of law and order in the state” he said via telephone interview on Sunrise Daily.
He however said he spoke to the Vice Chancellor of the institution, who assured him that the protest will be peaceful.
He also expressed concerns that miscreants could hijack the protest but noted that “we will do everything professionally to ensure their will be no loss of lives”.
He said the Command will allow the students to embark on the protest but warned that it must be done peacefully.
Mr Adebanjo further noted that four thugs have been arrested in connection with the demolition that took place in the University of Benin and will soon be charged to court.
Students of the University of Benin, Edo State Monday said they will embark on a protest that is expected to shutdown all activities in Edo State on Tuesday, saying Governor Adams Oshiomhole has not shown remorse over his actions towards the demolition of University of Benin buildings.
According to leaflets circulated in Edo State by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the federal government funded school, the students said there will be a total shutdown of all activities in the state starting from 7AM when the protest starts.
