No fewer than four students and a lecturer have reportedly died in a conflict between students of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State and some drivers on Sunday.
Eight students were also said to have been injured in the fracas, which reportedly degenerated into a communal clash, as some natives vowed to avenge the death of a driver believed to be an indigene of the town.
Wuzup Naija gathered that some students of the institution had, on Saturday, boarded a commercial bus from Minna to Bida, with an agreement that the driver takes them to the Polytechnic’s campus.
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The driver, however, reneged on the agreement and took them to a motor park. When the student reminded him of their deal, the driver reportedly told them to alight saying that was the normal stopping place for all commercial vehicles.
Wuzup Naija learnt that after the students alighted and attempted to make a report to other drivers, who ignored them.
On Sunday, the students alongside representatives of the Polytechnic’s Student Union Government had gone to the motor park to lay a complaint but the drivers reportedly attacked them.
The students were then said to have mobilised and attacked the drivers, who were defended by natives
The Institution’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Husseini Enagi, said the students returned to campus, remobilized themselves and went back to town on a rampage, making the incident to become a free for all, during which many dangerous weapons were used.
He said,
“Our students said they were cheated by a driver and all means to lay their complainants were not entertained, rather, they were beaten up when they went with some SUG officials. Majority of them were injured. I do not have the exact number now.
“With this development, they went back to school and mobilized themselves and went on rampage in town. We have received reports that they started looting shops and beating people around. However, we are yet to get in touch with the SUG officials because everywhere is tensed now. “
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It was learnt that efforts by men of the vigilante and the police to quell the crisis were abortive.
Some vehicles were said to have had their windscreens smashed, while a motorcycle was burnt to ashes.
Soldiers have since been drafted to help bring the situation under control.
