Alleged military invasion: TASUED management shuts institution

Authorities of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, has shut down the institution till further notice, following alleged abduction of some students of the institution by military personnel.

Students of the state owned institution have been ordered to vacate the school as contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the school, Mrs A.O Odubela.

The statement denied rumour making the round on Thursday evening, that the Student Union President of the school and some other students were abducted by military personnel.

It, however, said that some students of the school were harrased by military men on duty at a point close to Conoil Petrol Station, along the Sagamu-Benin expressway.

The PRO added that the management of the school upon the receipt of the information, acted switfly by contacting the Commandant of Ilese Barracks where the students were reported to have been taken to.

The statement said the Commandant had promised to look into the matter, saying that at no time had the university management invited military personnel to the school.

The statement read, “Sequel to the incident that occurred on Thursday 28th October,2021 on the Sagamu-Benin Expressway, the Management of Tai Solarin University of Education Ijagun,Ogun State hereby states as follows;

“That the incident occurred at a military check point close  to a Conoil Filling Station, on the Sagamu-Benin expressway in the evening on Thursday,28th October, 2021.

“That the University authority was contacted that some of her students were harassed and consequently taken to Ilese Baracks after being arrested.

“The Commandant of Ilese Barrack was contacted and he confirmed that his officers were on official operation on the Sagamu-Benin expressway, assuring the University that he will look into the matter.

“It should be made clear that the University Management at no time invited any military personnel or security agencies  into the campus as all the university campuses are peaceful and calm.

“No student was abducted from any of the University’s Campuses, nor was any student shot dead.

“The Senate of Tai Solarin University of Education Ijagun, Ogun State at its emergency meeting directed that all students are to vacate the University’s Campuses immediately.

“Parents are thus advised to contact their wards and ensure they return home forthwith.”

But the SUG Senate President Moradeyo Ifedayo Johnson and Chief Judge Ayobami Kareem alleged soldiers invaded the students’ community and manhandled many of them.

“TASUEDITES who are going by their legitimate and calm businesses were cornered at CONOIL Filling Station, the Express Road that leads to the University second gate.

“They were arrested and assaulted for no reason. To make things worst, the soldiers asked students to bail themselves up with N50, 000 and those who could not do that were detained and taken away (most likely to the barrack).

“As responsible and responsive students’ union officers, upon hearing the ugly development, we swung into action and make frantic efforts to mediate and rescue students from this injustice and assault cum fraudulent exploitation.

“This calm and ideal effort by the students’ union was met with strong resistance by the military men, who assaulted the Students’ Union President.

“The Senate President was also severely injured and many comrades were beaten, whipped and abducted by the military men.

“The Students’ Union abhor this act in its totality, very displeased and frown at the reaction of the custodian of the university to the matter when contacted,” Moradeyo stated.