THE police in Kaduna late Monday evening confirmed the killing of a student of the Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya in Jema’a local government area of Kaduna State while protesting against the hike in tuition fees by the state government.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Kaduna State Police Command, Mr Muhammed Jalige, in a statement:
“Today Monday 28th June, 2021 at about 0800hrs, the Command was informed of the protest and road blockade by the students of College of Education, Gidan waya, Kafanchan over the recent increase in tuition fee by the Kaduna State Government.
“On receipt of the information, the Command immediately dispatched Operatives to restore normalcy. The contingent professionally and successfully dispersed the protesters and warned them not to embark on further protest and road blockade considering the existing warning against such action, issued by the Kaduna state Police Command a fortnight ago.
“However, at about 0930hrs, information has it that the students re-converged again and blocked the Gidan Waya–Kafanchan Federal Highway and were becoming unruly and riotous.
“At a point the protesters blocked the convoy of a military sector Commander injuring him and one other. The situation resulted in a fracas where three (3) protesters were injured in attempt to use minimal force to disperse the riotous students. The victims were taken to the Hospital for medical attention but unfortunately one person died while receiving medical attention.
“The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna Command, CP UM Muri, urged the students to embrace dialogue as it is the best alternative way to express their grievances while assuring them of diligent investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the fracas that resulted in injuries to the students and the unfortunate loss of life.”
The Provost of the College, Alexander Kure, also confirmed the incident to reporters. He, however, said the protest was conducted on the highway and not in the school.
“The incident happened on the highway and not inside the school. I was told by the security that one student was killed and another injured,” the provost said, adding that the school was on mid-semester break and the students are expected to resume on Monday, next week.
