There has been noticeable tension in Benin City because of a rumour that students from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) plan to set fire to the BEDC Electricity Plc office complex.
According to Saturday Sun, this rumour has caused a significant increase in security around the BEDC office. The students are reportedly angry because their university was disconnected from the national power grid due to unpaid debts.
Previously, the students protested against the limited hours of electricity on their campus, demanding a continuous 24-hour supply. When the university management said they couldn’t meet these demands, the students were asked to leave the campus immediately.
Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, released a statement:
“Due to the students’ refusal to compromise on their demands for 24-hour electricity and more, which the University’s Senate deems unrealistic, the University has suspended all academic activities indefinitely.
“Students must vacate the hostels immediately. All relevant units of the University should take note and comply. “However, non-teaching staff and staff on essential duties are not affected by the shutdown.”
This decision has worsened the situation, as the students took to protesting on the Ugbowo axis of the road on Thursday, causing heavy traffic.
