Students demand arrest after violence at Auchi poly election
The President of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi Student Union, Arua Onyedikachi, on Monday condemned the attack on students who trooped out to vote for new executive members of the students’ union on Saturday.
He urged the security agencies to investigate the culprits of Saturday’s attack, noting that a proposal on online voting would also be considered after meeting with the school authorities.
PUNCH Online had reported that on Saturday, several students were injured as the election descended into chaos.
In a viral video on Sunday, students were seen scaling the fence of the school while a gunshot was heard in the background.
Smoke was also observed at the venue of the election, suggesting that tear gas may have been used in the fracas, while some boys were also seen brandishing knives to scare away the students.
A student who pleaded anonymity told PUNCH Online on Sunday that the election was going on smoothly until it was disrupted by local boys who were backing a particular candidate.
The SUG President, who wondered what could have prompted the attack, said students trooped out in large numbers to vote for their preferred candidate due to the peaceful nature in which the election was held last year.
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The President of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi Student Union, Arua Onyedikachi, on Monday condemned the attack on students who trooped out to vote for new executive members of the students’ union on Saturday.
He urged the security agencies to investigate the culprits of Saturday’s attack, noting that a proposal on online voting would also be considered after meeting with the school authorities.
PUNCH Online had reported that on Saturday, several students were injured as the election descended into chaos.
In a viral video on Sunday, students were seen scaling the fence of the school while a gunshot was heard in the background.
Smoke was also observed at the venue of the election, suggesting that tear gas may have been used in the fracas, while some boys were also seen brandishing knives to scare away the students.
A student who pleaded anonymity told PUNCH Online on Sunday that the election was going on smoothly until it was disrupted by local boys who were backing a particular candidate.
The SUG President, who wondered what could have prompted the attack, said students trooped out in large numbers to vote for their preferred candidate due to the peaceful nature in which the election was held last year.
He noted that students were not involved in the violence and snatching of ballot boxes.
In his words, “I don’t know how they knew their candidate would not win.
“They forced themselves into the voting arena, and that was when they destroyed the ballot boxes and the election became inconclusive.”
Onyedikachi said that the investigation must be concluded and the perpetrators arrested before a date could be set for another election.
He stated, “We cannot hold an election without getting to the root of the matter.
“Investigation has begun to ensure the perpetrators are arrested.
“It may be more brutal than the previous one. It is after settling everything that we talk about another election.
“If security does the needful and the boys are brought to book, we will meet with the school management so that we can present a proposal for an online election to ensure the safety of the students.”
Onyedikachi, in a statement, also condemned what he termed, “unacceptable and uncivilised act that seeks to undermine the democratic values and peace that we stand for as students of this great institution.”
“We wish to assure all students that the Management of Auchi Polytechnic is currently carrying out a thorough investigation into this matter.
“Every effort is being made to identify the perpetrators and ensure that they are brought to justice in accordance with the law and the institution’s regulations, the SUG President said.
Onyedikachi reaffirmed the commitment of student representatives to protecting students’ rights and amplifying their voices.
He called on all students to remain calm, law-abiding, and peaceful as the investigation progresses.
Source: Punch
