The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, faced a violent confrontation on Wednesday as protesting students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, attacked her convoy.
The deputy governor was en route to the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, to represent Governor Dapo Abiodun at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day reception when her convoy encountered the agitated Moshood Abiola Polytechnic students.
Reports revealed that the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic students, armed with sticks and other dangerous objects, damaged some of the security vehicles in the convoy. Several security operatives sustained injuries while trying to maintain order during the incident.
In a statement issued by Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, it was confirmed that the students became more aggressive upon realizing the convoy belonged to the deputy governor.
“They rushed to attack her convoy, intending to demobilize it, despite efforts by security operatives to pacify them and allow the convoy to pass,” Akinmade stated.
To avoid escalating the situation, Salako-Oyedele was forced to retreat to her lodge while the protesters blocked the road, causing significant traffic disruption.
The motive behind the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic students’ protest remains unclear, but the government has condemned the violence, urging students to express their grievances through peaceful means.