Some officers from the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SACS), formerly known as the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), of the Nigeria Police Force have raided a students hostel in Anambra State.
It was gathered that the raid took place late on Wednesday night at the Federal Polytechnic Oko, which resulted in the arrest of several student
It was learnt that the students were sleeping in their lodges when the rogue officers raided their hostels, broke into their rooms, and arrested them, accusing them of theft.
In a statement released on Thursday by the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) Vice President, South East Zone, and obtained by Reporters, the students’ union condemned the arrest.
NAPS also urged the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, to warn the errant officers to stop harassing their students, or else they would shut down the state with massive protest.
They warned the errant officers to respect the rights and dignity of students and to cease all forms of breaking into students’ lodges at odd hours, as well as the harassment and intimidation of students.
The statement read, “National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), the umbrella body of all polytechnics, monotechnics, colleges of technology, health, and other allied institutions awarding ND and HND certificates, with a membership strength of 20.1 million students across the federation.
“We are writing to express our strong condemnation of the unwarranted arrests and intimidation of our dear students of Federal Polytechnic Oko.
“These arrests, which often occur at odd hours of the night (11 pm2 am), are totally unacceptable to the leadership of NAPS South East Zone and must stop immediately,” NAPS stated.
The students union said, “We urge you to respect the rights and dignity of our students and to cease all forms of breaking into students’ lodges at odd hours, harassment, and intimidation of our dear students.
“Sir, we are putting you on notice that if these unwarranted arrests and intimidation do not stop, we will be forced to take drastic measures, including a massive shutdown/protest, where several journalists, TV stations, and media will be involved.”
The statement continues, “We cannot stand idly by while our students are harassed and intimidated unjustly. We demand that you respect our rights and dignity as students and citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We hope you will take our demands seriously and put an end to these unwarranted arrests and intimidations.”
...Never miss an update again! Join our WhatsApp group for the latest news, straight to your phone! (Click Here)
