Students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure on Monday, launched a protest shutting down Akure-Ilesha highway, following the beating of their students union leader on Sunday evening by suspected thugs.
During the protest which lasted a few hours, two students escaped death following the reckless driving of a driver, trying to manoeuvre through the blockade set up by the students.
One of the students, who gave his name as Ayo Bami said the thugs who were always around the South Gate entrance of the school on Sunday evening beat up the school’s Students Union leader while some students were chased by the thugs into the school premises.
“The boys at South gate are cultists and also indigenes of the community. They keep harassing our students and extorting them for money.
“If you are well dressed they will stop you and collect your money. Sometimes they force students to make bank transfers. They beat up our student union leader yesterday.
However the university’s spokesperson, Adebanjo Adegbenro, said it was not a protest but a sensitisation march against actions of some people living close to the South gate who have been bullying some of the young students.
“Sometimes, they also rob them. It is a sensitisation March and also to let the security know the behaviour of these individuals.”