One killed as students protest hike in fees in Kaduna

A student of the Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya has lost his life following the protest held by students of the institution over a hike in tuition fee on Monday.

DAILY INDEPENDENT learnt according to a source that pleaded anonymity, that the student was shot dead during a protest held in the school

Information reaching Independent revealed that the deceased had joined his colleagues, who were protesting a hike in school fees when security operatives attempted to disperse them forcefully.

However, in a press statement made available to Independent by the Police Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Jalige, and tittled CONFIRMATION OF INCIDENT AT COLLEGE OF EDUCATION GIDAN WAYA KAFANCHAN, it stated that normalcy has since been restored as the Commissioner of police in the state CP UM MURI has called for calm and assured the students and school Management of diligent investigation into the incident.

The statement reads, “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 into 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 best alternative way to express their grievances while assuring them of diligent investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the fracas that resulted to injuries to the students and the unfortunate loss of life.