Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has spoken on the killing of two students of Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti, allegedly by police officers.

He condemned the shooting and directed the Commissioner of Police to commence an investigation.

The governor disclosed this in a statement published on the Ekiti State Government’s Twitter handle on Sunday.

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“I have in the last few days agonised over the incident that took place at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) on Tuesday, September 10, 2019.

“Until the multiple investigations are completed, I am necessarily constrained from talking about the details of what transpired. I, however, do not need to be constrained about the emotions a tragedy like this evokes.

“I have directed the State Commissioner of Police to urgently commence an investigation into the circumstances that led to the unfortunate shooting incident with a view to identifying possible culprits within and outside the Force. Taken together with the ongoing investigation by the University management, we will consider the need for an independent panel of inquiry, if necessary once these fact-finding investigations are concluded,” the statement read in part.

The governor suggested that police authorities should explore the use of non-lethal rubber bullets in managing public protests.

He promised that Nigerian Governors Forum will take this up at the highest levels in government.

“Any death is a tragedy. Any shooting arising from legitimate protests diminishes our fledgling democratic dispensation and calls to question our commitment to fundamental human rights.

“Having heard from all parties to the incident, it is pertinent that I now personally convey my deeply felt sorrow for the loss of two promising young lives and for those who suffered injuries,” he added.

Fayemi also highlighted steps taken so far, pledging support for the family of the slained students and pay the medical bills of the injured students.

“We have taken a number of steps; a high-level government delegation has visited the families of the deceased. This will not be a one-off intervention. We will stand firmly with, and support the families at this time. Those persons with varying degrees of injuries will also be given support whilst their hospital expenses will be defrayed by the government.”

He added that he notes the initial public statement by the University authorities and its Students Union body.

“We welcome the conclusion that neither the wife of the Governor nor any Government official directed the shootings. Indeed it is obvious that the wife of the Governor and those on her entourage are victims of this unfortunate incident.

“The issue that led to the protest has been the subject of intense disagreement and negotiations with BEDC since I became Governor. Last week, my Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities was still in Benin to see BEDC management on the matter of inadequate and inconsistent supply of electricity in Ekiti State. Though Governors do not have any control over privatised power distribution companies, the four Governors from the states covered by the Benin DISCO have consistently expressed dissatisfaction with the services of BEDC and taken the matter up with the Vice President who chairs the Privatisation Council.

“In addition to this, I have been talking to the Rural Electrification Agency about including FUOYE in the next round of their University Electrification Project.”

The governor, therefore, appeals for calm and caution, adding that he is awaiting the reports of the various investigations.