A mild drama was said to play out as seven operatives of Economic and financial crimes commission EFCC were held hostage in Ibadan by staff and students of the federal college of forestry, Idishin Estate. The head of media and publicity of EFCC Dele Oyewale said that the operatives were in the college to authenticate the address and identity of one Azeez Oluwakemi who stood as a surety for Alakinde Kolawole a suspected fraudster in their custody.

He alleged that the students and staff of the college went on a frenzy of attack against the operatives of the commission who were on authorized assignments. He accused the president of the students union and some staff of the institution of reportedly causing a violent confrontation with EFCC operatives. He said the bus that conveyed the operatives were vandalized as they threw stones and dangerous objects at the vehicle, and a rescue team came and successfully rescued the seven operatives held hostage by the riotous crowd. He said the operatives of the commission exercised restraint in the face of provocation and avoided applying any force against the belligerent attackers. He said no student or staff was shot as armed operatives merely shot into the air to disperse the unruly crowd.

The students led by National association of Nigerian students NANS, Zone D protested the invasion and shooting within their campus and alleged that some students were hit during the invasion while others sustained injuries in the stampede. NANS coordinator for south west John Alao said that the College SUG president Adewale Michael said a peaceful meeting was already on going on the instance of the school management before the EFCC operatives called for reinforcement and shooting rampage. They urged the Inspector General of Police to immediately investigate the incident and bring the officers involved to justice. The police were seen stationed few metres away to maintain law and order.

Source: VANGUARD