There was panic on Wednesday morning after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed a Kwara State polytechnic community.
It was gathered that the EFCC chased students and arrested some of them over alleged fraud.
Videos circulating online and seen by this Online newspaper showed armed EFCC operatives pursuing fleeing students across parts of the campus and surrounding areas, sparking panic among residents.
Students who spoke to Journalist said the anti-graft agency invaded the area early in the morning, extending the operation to private hostels located off-campus.
“They came very early and started chasing students around with guns. Everybody ran for safety,” one student said.
Another student alleged that although the EFCC claimed to be targeting suspected internet fraudsters, the operation quickly turned indiscriminate.
“They said they had intelligence that some students were involved in fraud, but instead of going after those people, they started arresting anyone they saw,” the student said.
“They even picked up students who were preparing for their exams this morning. Some of them didn’t do anything.”
According to multiple sources, the development triggered a brief protest by angry students, who accused the operatives of harassment and unlawful arrests.
“The protest started because people were angry. You cannot just come and start picking up students randomly. This is a school environment,” another student told Voice Air Media correspondent.
School Management Reacts
They declared that normalcy had been restored on campus
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the school said, “The management wishes to inform the general public, particularly parents, guardians, and commuters, that a peaceful academic environment has been fully restored on campus and its immediate surroundings following a brief protest by a few students earlier today.”
The management added that the situation stemmed from security activities carried out in a nearby community.
“The incident originated from reports of security operatives conducting official duties in the nearby Agbede village, an action which reportedly caused concern among some students,” the statement read.
It further denied reports of arrests, stating, “It is important to note that no arrests of students were made during the security operation.”
“The swift and professional intervention of combined security agencies and the Polytechnic’s own security personnel ensured the situation was contained promptly and without escalation,” the school authorities said.
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The management also maintained that academic activities were not disrupted.
“Students scheduled for morning examinations have been checked in by their invigilators, and exams are ongoing as planned,” it said, adding, “The road is clear and safe for travel.”
