Thousands of students from Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, in Ikot Osurua, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state, on Monday, took to the streets to protest the alarming levels of insecurity and police brutality in their community.
Led by Student Union President, Geoffrey George, the protesters gathered at the institution’s main gate, chanting solidarity songs and holding placards with messages like “End Police brutality now” and “Protect, save, don’t abuse”.
The students are fed up with the constant harassment and extortion by police and hoodlums in Ikot Ekpene.
George recalled a recent incident where a student was beaten and dragged on the ground by policemen, and lamented that students are not safe, especially those living in nearby communities.
He also mentioned that over five students have been killed by thieves in the past year, while police looked on.
Despite the Rector’s warning to stop the protest, the students are determined to continue, saying that their lives are in danger and that the police are not helping.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, has announced that the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, has invited the students to a meeting to resolve their issues.
This protest is not an isolated incident; students from Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic have been speaking out against police brutality and insecurity for some time now.
The students are calling for the government and police to take action to protect their lives and rights.
