Anambra varsity students protest over robberies, killings

[Mirror]

Students of Anambra State University yesterday staged a protest on the Igbariam campus over the alleged killing of some of their colleagues by armed robbers and the spate of robberies in the area.

A female student of the Department of Mass Communication was said to be among the students killed during a robbery incident on Tuesday.

The protest, it was gathered, began in the morning, when the students, most of who live off campus, moved from Igbariam to Achalla highway and Igbariam junction of Enugu – Onitsha Expressway, chanting war songs.

The protesters condemned the way robbers were raiding their homes and dispossessing them of their money and valuables.

They alleged that about two students were killed during the Tuesday night robbery.

It was gathered that the students urged the management of the university and the police to come to their assistance and protect them from the rampaging criminals.

Already, it was learnt that security operatives had been deployed on the campus to prevent the breakdown of law and order.

Speaking on the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said the protest had been contained.

He said: "The riot is being contained, it was very peaceful, our men are there and I know that everything is being put under control."

The Deputy Vice- Chancellor (Administration), Professor Obiajulu Obiakeze, told our correspondent that the situation was not all that serious.

Obiakeze, who disclosed that the university had not been shut as a result of the incident, said the students were just sensitising the public to what had been happening to them, especially the spate of armed robberies.

He said: "We cannot close the school because of a peaceful protest that took place outside the school premises."

National Mirror