The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union on Wednesday called for a state of emergency after 13 students were arrested in connection with the protest against tuition hike at the College of Education, Gidan Waya, in Jema’a Local Government Area.

The protest also claimed the lives of two students.

A statement released in Kaduna by the Spokesperson of the union, Luka Binniyat, gave the names of the slain students as Emmanuel Nathan and Abas Zakari.

The victims were said to be 100 level Students of the school.

The statement added that in the aftermath of the protest, 13 students have been apprehended by security operatives in connection to the protest.

The union called on the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) to declare a state of emergency on the state over insecurity.

The statement titled, ‘SOKAPU on COE Gidan Waya,’ said, “On Monday, 28th June 2021, students of Kaduna State College of Education (COE), Gidan Waya staged a procession against a shocking hike in the tuition fees of all government-owned tertiary institutions in Kaduna state, including the COE, Gidan Waya.

“The students were not armed, they did not attack any passersby and did not destroy any private or public property. The protest was peaceful and non-violent as collaborated by locals.

“In the process, live bullets were used to fire at the protesting students. As the dust settled one student lay cold dead after being aimed at and shot in the heart.

“Three other students were fatally shot and were rushed to the general Hospital Kafanchan where one of them died a few hours later. Their names are given as Emmanuel Nathan and  Abas Zakari both of them 100 level Students of the school.

“So far, 13 students of the schools have been arrested. They are made up of 4 females and 9 males.”

It added, “we are calling on the President, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd), the National Assembly and the National Human Rights Commission to come to the assistance of Kaduna state.

“Relevant laws of the land should be invoked, including the declaration of a State of Emergency in Kaduna state as it has been proven beyond doubt that Governor Nasir el-Rufai is incapable of ruling Kaduna state without inflicting severe hurt to everything that stands for peace, justice and progress in the state.

“We are also calling for assistance from the international community, International and local based NGOs and Human Rights Organisations, Civil Society, the Clergy, and all men and women of conscience to come together and ensure that justice is obtained for these poor students.

“We call for the immediate release of the 13  detained students and compensation paid them for their illegal detention without trial.”