Fear of setting BEDC office ablaze by UNIBEN students heightens tension in Edo

From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin

There has been palpable tension in Benin City metropolis following the rumour that the students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) are coming to set the office complex of the BEDC Electricity Plc on fire.

Saturday Sun reports that this has resulted to a heavy security presence within the environs of the BEDC’s office.

The students anger they said was triggered on the alleged disconnection of the institution from the national grid due to debt owed by the institution.

The students who had earlier protested the sharing of the hours of light on campus, insisted that there should be 24 hours light. This demand and others, the management of the institution said they cannot afford therefore, they should vacate the institution with immediate effect.

According to the statement made available to journalists previously by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire reads:

“UNIBEN SHUTS DOWN ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES INDEFINITELY.

“Following the refusal of students of the University of Benin to shift grounds on their demands for twenty four hours supply of electricity and more, considered unrealistic by the University’s Senate, the University has shut down academic activities indefinitely.

“Students are to vacate the hostels immediately while all the  relevant units of the University are to take note and comply.

“However, non-teaching staff  and staff on essential duties are not affected by the shut down”

This decision further compounded the situation as the students took over the Ugbowo axis of the road in protest, on Thursday, thereby leading to a heavy traffic.