Thousands of students from Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, staged a protest on Monday against rising insecurity, police extortion, and brutality, expressing fears over their safety.
Led by the Student Union Government (SUG) President, Geoffrey George, the protesters gathered at the institution’s main gate, decrying frequent incidents of police extortion and robbery attacks targeting students in Ikot Ekpene.
The demonstrators carried placards with messages such as “End Police Brutality Now,” “Protect, Save, Don’t Abuse,” and “This Extortion Must Stop.”
Speaking to journalists, George detailed the ordeals students face at the hands of both the police and criminals.
“Last week, a video went viral on social media showing a student being beaten and dragged to the ground by policemen,” he said.
He further lamented the frequent harassment students endure.
“Students are being extorted by policemen in Ikot Ekpene. We don’t feel safe, especially those residing in nearby communities. Hoodlums snatch phones from students, and in some cases, even kill them. We have buried more than five students in the past year—victims of armed robbers who broke into their homes, stole their phones, and killed them while the police turned a blind eye,” George stated.
Many students vowed to continue the protest until authorities address their concerns.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for Akwa Ibom, Timfon John, confirmed that the state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, has invited the students for a meeting to resolve the issues.
“The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, has scheduled a meeting with the students this morning. We are expecting them,” John stated.
