Over 50 students from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) were apprehended by the state Police Command, as revealed by the Students Union Government (SUG) President, Donatus Okolieuwa, on Saturday. The students were reportedly taken into custody on Friday evening by the anti-cult squad within the university campus.
Expressing his strong disapproval of the students’ arrest, Okolieuwa appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to intervene and secure the freedom of the affected students. He emphasized that subjecting the students to torture, inhumane treatment, and degrading punishment without just cause is unacceptable.
Providing details of the incident, the SUG President recounted, “While attending a students meeting at Dragon Relaxation Center, 82 Division, Enugu, I received a call from a student who informed me that armed men had invaded the school cafeteria around 5pm/6pm. The armed men arrived in two Hilux vans and one Siena bus, firing gunshots into the air.”
Due to the sudden arrival of the armed men and the prevailing reports of unknown gunmen in society, the students present at the cafeteria quickly fled for their safety. In the pursuit, the armed men surrounded and apprehended all the students, entering the cafeteria and arresting everyone inside, including those playing games, female students charging their electronic devices, cafeteria staff and manager, and school security members.
On being informed of the incident, the SUG President promptly contacted the school’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) to inquire about the situation. The CSO stated that he was unaware of the incident but would immediately proceed to the scene with his team. Upon arrival, the CSO confirmed that the armed men belonged to the Anti-Cult Squad, Enugu. He managed to identify two school security personnel who were subsequently released, despite the armed men’s attempt to intimidate them.
The students, both male and female, were subjected to humiliation, with the female students being released after their phones and power banks were confiscated. However, the armed men took away all the male students present.
Following the incident, the SUG President contacted the Vice-Chancellor and the Department of State Services (DSS) officers in charge of students, who were initially unaware of the arrests. They assured him that they had taken immediate action to secure the release of the students.
This incident has instilled fear among the students, even within the confines of the university. The invasion of the university by members of the Anti-Cult Squad highlights the alarming insecurity that currently plagues society, jeopardizing the safety of students. The students are understandably angered by these developments.
While the fight against criminality among students is crucial, the SUG President emphasized that unwarranted harassment, intimidation, and violation of students’ fundamental rights are unacceptable. He urged prompt and appropriate action to rectify the situation.
Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) is known for upholding social values and norms, striving to eliminate social vices, as exemplified by the institution’s digital and pragmatic Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aloysius Michaels Okolie.