From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The authorities of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, have denied reports of the death of any student of the institution.
There was sporadic shooting at the Sports Complex of the Polytechnic, Auchi, which disrupted the school’s election into the Students’ Union Government (SUG), but the school denied any death, contrary to online reports and claims by the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, that some students lost their lives.
Obi was quoted as saying that he watched a video that showed students running for their lives as they “were being shot at during their student election yesterday, which left 2 students dead and several injured.”
But the Director, Public Relations Division, Auchi Polytechnic, Angela Egele, in a statement yesterday, denied the reported death and said, “The Management categorically states that these claims are false, misleading, and completely unfounded.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no student was shot, injured, or killed during the electoral process, which was subsequently declared inconclusive due to observed irregularities.
“The following security agencies were on ground to monitor the elections: Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Directorate of State Security (DSS), Mobile Police (MOPOL), and the Local Vigilante Group.
“Subsequently, we urge the general public, stakeholders, and members of the press to disregard this misinformation. Auchi Polytechnic remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students and staff,” the statement added.