On Tuesday November 25th, Security agents in Plateau state shot at protesting students of the University of Jos, injuring 11 protesters who were publicly challenging an alleged increment in school fees.
The Student Union Government (SUG) Public Relations Officer Longgun Dakwon confirmed the action of the military.
He told Daily Trust
“I narrowly escaped, the military came into our classes and shot some of us while some were arrested and now the school authority is asking us to vacate our hostel when some of us have only N30″, However, STF (Special Task force) spokesperson, Captain Ikedichi Iweha denied allegations that the military was responsible for the shooting.He said
“There were other security agents there and there was a shooting in which four students were injured. However the shooting was not carried out by STF.
On the first day of the protest, the students poured water on us and stoned us but we exercise restrain. Today there was need for reinforcements so other security agents had to join.”
“the school property is under threat because they have allowed miscreants to hijack the protest, four of our men were injured during the protest yet we exercised restrain, their protest should be within the bounds of law. The school management asked students to vacate their hostels.
“In order to avoid further escalation of the situation, the management met this morning decided that the school be closed down until further notice. Students are therefore directed to vacate their hostels.” A statement signed by the University Registrar, Mr. Jilli Dandam, read