UMUDIKE, ABIA STATE – Staff members of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture have shared their harrowing experiences during the recent riot on campus, which was sparked by students protesting against a tuition hike. Despite the school administration’s claim that the protest was hijacked by troublemakers, some staff members alleged that they narrowly escaped the wrath of the angry mob by fleeing through a bush path behind the school premises.
One staff member, Igwe Azubuike Chizoba, and a lecturer, Mrs. Ngozi Olundu, recounted how they abandoned their offices and escaped through the bush to the neighboring community of Olokoro, in order to avoid being attacked by the furious students. Mrs. Olundu explained that her colleagues who remained in the office were subjected to severe beatings by the mob, shortly after she fled.
The Public Relations Officer, Patrick Opara, also revealed that he was evacuated from the school premises while the “troublemakers” were wreaking havoc, leading to substantial damage to school property. The aftermath of the riot left the school littered with debris, with the largest examination hall, Three Hall, being set ablaze, along with damage to the Students Union Government office, electric poles, school chairs, library building, school field, part of the Access bank building, and school vehicles.
Despite the visible destruction, stern-looking policemen were stationed at key locations on campus, and the school administration is currently assessing the extent of the damage caused by the riot. The University, in response to the incident, insisted that the perpetrators were not genuine students but rather “miscreants” who disrupted peaceful examinations.
The riot and its aftermath have left a lasting impact on the university, and the community will need to come together to address the underlying issues and heal from the recent events. As the situation develops, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work towards restoring a sense of safety and normalcy to the university campus.