- Police officers raid Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
- The raid on ESUT took place on Friday
- President of the ESUT Students Union Government describes the invasion as unacceptable
Several students have reportedly been arrested after police officers from the Enugu State Police Command conducted a raid at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
The incident took place on Friday evening amidst the sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which was widely observed throughout the state.
Confirming the raid, Donatus Okolieuwa, the President of the ESUT Students Union Government, expressed strong condemnation, describing the invasion as unacceptable. He alleged that the operation was carried out by policemen from the anti-cult unit of the Enugu State Police Command. Okolieuwa called upon Governor Peter Mbah to intervene and secure the release of the affected students.
In his statement, Okolieuwa said, “We urge our compassionate governor, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, to intervene in this matter and utilize his authority to facilitate the release of our students. Our students should not be subjected to unwarranted torture, inhumane treatment, and degrading punishment without just cause.”
Providing details of the incident, Okolieuwa stated, “While I was attending a student meeting at Dragon Relaxation Center, 82 Division, Enugu, I received a call around 5 pm/6 pm informing me that armed men had invaded the school cafeteria in two Hilux vans and a Sienna bus, firing a gunshot into the air.”
“Given the sudden arrival of the armed men, along with the prevalent stories of gunmen in society and the gunshots, students present in front of the cafeteria started running for their safety. In pursuit, the armed men apprehended all the students, entered the cafeteria, and arrested everyone inside, including those playing games, female students who were charging their phones and other electronic devices, cafeteria staff and manager, and members of our school security.”
Upon learning of the incident, Okolieuwa contacted the school’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) to ascertain his awareness. The CSO confirmed he was unaware but promptly mobilized his team to the scene.
“When the CSO and his team arrived, they identified the armed men as members of the Anti-Cult Squad, Enugu. The school CSO, whom they attempted to intimidate, recognized and pointed out two of the arrested individuals as members of the school security personnel, resulting in their release.”
The SUG president further revealed that the arrested students, including the females, were subjected to humiliation and their phones and power banks were confiscated. The police detained all male students present while releasing the females.
“I reached out to the Vice-Chancellor and the Department of State Services (DSS) officers responsible for students, both in Agbani and Enugu. They were unaware of the arrests but have taken immediate action to secure the release of the students. They assured me,” added Okolieuwa.
Expressing concern over the safety of students within the university, he stated, “Our students are now living in fear, even within the school premises. The invasion of the university by members of the Anti-Cult team highlights the compromised security of our students in the face of prevailing insecurity in society. Armed individuals can enter the school and abduct our students without the knowledge of our school security personnel. Students are deeply disturbed by this development.”
“While we strongly oppose and combat criminal activities among students, we vehemently reject the unwarranted harassment, intimidation, and violation of the fundamental rights of our students. Prompt and appropriate action must be taken,” emphasized Okolieuwa.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, for comment on the matter proved unsuccessful as he could not be reached.