The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, narrowly avoided an alleged attack on Wednesday during a protest by students from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Abeokuta.
The Deputy Governor was en route to represent Governor Dapo Abiodun at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day reception at the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, when her convoy encountered the protesting students.
A statement from the Deputy Governor’s office claimed the students were armed with sticks and other projectiles. When they realized the convoy belonged to the Deputy Governor, they allegedly became more agitated and attempted to block the vehicles.
“All efforts by her security operatives and other police officers to calm the students and allow the convoy to pass failed,” the statement read. “The convoy had to turn back to ensure the Deputy Governor’s safety.”
During the commotion, security vehicles were reportedly damaged, and some operatives sustained injuries while trying to maintain order.
However, Comrade Adeyanju Francis, Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students, denied allegations of an attack on the Deputy Governor.
Speaking to journalists, Francis said, “There was no confrontation with the Deputy Governor. The students only gathered because they thought she would address their concerns over the increase in school fees. The protest was peaceful and monitored by six Divisional Police Officers and a Deputy Commissioner of Police.”
Eyewitnesses also described the protest as peaceful, contradicting claims that students were armed or aggressive.
“When the convoy arrived, the students expected her to address them,” an eyewitness said. “Instead, the security forces fired shots into the air, and the convoy turned back.”
The incident caused significant traffic disruptions, with damaged vehicles and injured security personnel adding to the tension.
Despite the differing accounts, the students maintained that their protest was aimed at drawing attention to their grievances, not causing harm.
As of now, the Ogun State government has not issued further statements regarding the incident.
