EDITORIAL: Students Lives Matters

In recent times, students of Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic (AAPOLY) have had to face undue treatment at the hands of operatives of the Nigeria Police Force operating in Ijebu-Igbo and even closer communities. The very protectors meant to ensure safety have become sources of apprehension for these young scholars.

In a recent incident, a Business Administration student faced arrest by the Ijebu-Igbo Division Police officers for allegedly failing to pull over while en route to Abusi Edumare, the annex campus. Despite presenting all required documents upon pulling over, the student was apprehended. Attempting to seek assistance, the student halted at the annex campus gate to notify student leaders and campus security about the situation. Despite their intervention, the student was forcefully taken to the police station, reminiscent of a criminal arrest.

Student leaders, accompanied by the Student Union Government Public Relations Officer, Eridolapo Daniel, later visited the station to address the issue. Shockingly, upon arrival, they were subjected to physical assault, taken behind the counter, and faced baseless accusations. The SUG PRO identity card was destroyed amidst the chaos, all this without a chance to present their side of the story. It took the grace of the DPO to ensure they were released.

The following day, another student complained about an alarming incident where the car they were traveling in was fired upon by police officers on his way to school for failing to park on the busy Ijebuode-Oru road over the fear of heavy trucks that regularly ply that route. 

These incidents demand immediate attention to prevent an escalation of such avoidable situations. Both the institution's management and student union representatives must collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force to establish a positive relationship between the police and students. This collaboration should aim to ensure that student-related concerns are handled professionally without infringing upon their fundamental human rights.

It has become increasingly apparent that urgent attention must be directed toward safeguarding the welfare and rights of the students within the institution. "Students Lives Matter" stands not just as a slogan but as a dire call for action in the face of unwarranted treatment experienced by the students of AAPOLY at the hands of the police.