By Omoniyi David
Several students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, are feared dead, while many others sustained injuries on Saturday after police officers and soldiers allegedly opened fire on protesters demanding an end to rising insecurity and kidnappings in the area.
The incident sparked outrage on social media after a user shared accounts on X alleging that security operatives fired live ammunition at unarmed students, leaving several wounded and others in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses said the protest, organised by students and local residents, was peaceful before security personnel reportedly moved in, firing shots and arresting protesters, including some allegedly picked up from their hostels.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from students’ groups and human rights advocates, who described the crackdown as excessive and unacceptable. They have called for an immediate investigation into the conduct of the security agencies and demanded accountability, as well as improved measures to address insecurity in Ekpoma and protect students and residents.
