3rd February, 2023
By Jethro Ibileke
Some angry students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) on Thursday clashed with a soldier from the nearby S & T Military Barracks, Ugbowo, following a dispute at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) queue.
The solder who was in his combatant uniform was alleged to have attempted to forcefully jump the ATM queue at Ugbowo Campus of UNIBEN.
The students could be heard in an online video that has gone viral, shouting obscenities at the hapless soldier, as they shoved, kicked and stamped him after forcing him to lie on the ground.
Meanwhile, UNIBEN authorities have appealed for calm following the clash.
A statement by the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Lilian Salami, said that the situation has been brought under control as the management of the school was in touch with the top military officers at the barracks for an amicable resolution.
Prof. Salami who noted that these are challenging times for Nigerians, enjoined all to remain calm while converted efforts are being made to avert a re-occurrence.
The vice chancellor however advised the students to learn to resort to dialogue in resolving issues that concern them rather than taking to protests, at the slightest provocation, as such actions cause more injury and damage to themselves and other fellow citizens.
“Management also calls on the students to constantly engage dialogue in resolving issues that concern them rather than taking to protests, at any provocation, thereby causing more injury and damage to themselves and other citizens,” she admonished.