The Ondo State Police Command has denied a report that its officers shot
at protesting students on Monday, April 9, in Akure.
The commissioner of police in Ondo state, Olugbenga Adeyanju, told
newsmen on Tuesday, April 10, in Akure that only minimal force was
used during the protest.
He described the report of shooting as uncalled for, saying no body had
yet turned up with gunshot injuries

“To the glory of God, with the cooperation of my command and the good
people of Ondo State, we have managed the crisis very well.
“If anyone was shot as claimed by the students, you journalists who are
closer to the public would have confirmed it.
“I was there personally and even the whole command closed down since
the start of this protest so as to put the situation under control. Nobody
was shot and no one was injured,” he said.
The commissioner, however, said he ordered the use of the tear gas, which
he described as “minimum force,” to disperse the students.
“Naturally, it is minimum force. I claim the responsibility. I ordered that
tear gas should be used to disperse them, I gave the instruction.
“There was a pregnant woman who was on her way to the hospital to
deliver a baby, she was bleeding profusely and she was blocked from
moving.
“We have to clear the road to enable her get to the hospital before it’s
too late.
“People who are coming from the bank and those going into the bank
were prevented from doing so and as security officers, it behoves on us
to clear the road for them, hence the need for the minimum force,” he
said.

Adeyanju enjoined residents of the state to go about their legitimate
duties, assuring that the command was in control of the situation and
would prevent any breakdown of law and order.
In a previous report by NAIJ.com, Adekunle Ajasin University students
on Monday, April 9, blocked roads in in Akungba Akoko to protest the
sharp increase in school fees which was recently announced.
Students of the institution are expected to pay 500 per cent higher than
previous fees.
Ijanusi Olawale, the students union president said the protests would be
held in various states such as Oyo, Osun, Lagos and many others,
Premium Times reports.

Source: https://www.naija.ng/1162770-ondo-state-police-deny-shooting-protesting-students.html