The University of Benin was thrown into chaos Thursday, 2bd February, following fracas between soldiers, students and UNIBEN security around the school’s Main Gate.
Eyewitnesses say the incident was a result of soldiers who entered the university campus and began to use the ATM machines located close to the gate.
One student was holding her phone, and the soldiers suspected her of recording them. They called a female soldier to beat the student, but the university security intervened and stopped them.
Infuriated, the soldiers accused the university security of interfering in their matter. The situation quickly escalated, with both sides becoming involved in physical altercation.
Eyewitnesses have reported that some individuals were injured in the melee.
According to other information, the soldiers have threatened to take the students to an army barracks, as they have reportedly gone for reinforcement.
The chief of staff at the university is urging students and anyone in the vicinity to go home, as the situation remains tense.
The University of Benin is currently on shutdown, and authorities are working to defuse the situation and ensure the safety of students, staff, and members of the community.
This incident highlights the larger issue of the tension that has existed between soldiers and civilians in the country. In recent years, there have been several reports of soldiers using excessive force against civilians, leading to widespread public outrage and calls for reform.
UNIBEN has a strong tradition of student activism and has been at the forefront of many social and political movements in the country.
This latest incident is likely to raise questions about the safety and security of students on campus, as well as the role of the military in maintaining order in the country. The University of Benin is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the country, and this incident will no doubt have a significant impact on the university community.
The university administration has issued a statement condemning the violence and promised to cooperate with the authorities to bring those responsible to justice. The statement also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of students, staff, and members of the community.