Secondary School Students Attack, Injure DPO in Ogun

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Rampaging students of two secondary schools in Asero area of Abeokuta, Ogun yesterday attacked the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), for Obantoko Division, Alimeke Ignatius.

It was gathered that the students were from Egba Comprehensive High School and Asero High School, all in Abeokuta South Local Government area.

A source said the police officers were attacked during a fight between students of the two schools and when the DPO led his men to quell the crisis

It was further gathered that the students, who hauled stones and other missiles at themselves blocked the main road, causing tension among the residents of the area.

Alimeke and some of his men who raced to the scene of the incident to maintain law and order were allegedly injured by the students.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, Mr. Abimbola Oyeyemi confirmed the incident.

Oyeyemi said: “Students of Egba Comprehensive High School and Asero High School were engaged in a fight and the police from the Obantoko station were called to take charge of the situation.The DPO was hit by stones. The students were throwing stones and other objects at themselves during the fight,”

When asked if any arrest was made, Oyeyemi retorted, “We cannot arrest the students because they are minors. We can only detain and counsel them, after which they will be released.”

Meanwhile, the state chapter of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has condemned the attack, describing it as “uncivilised and unwarranted”.

The state Chairman of PCRC, Samson Kunle Popoola, in a statement signed by his media aide, Babatunde Odeyemi, lamented the public disorder by secondary school students in the state, saying “if this is not quickly checked, it may portray a great danger for the future of this country.”