Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, had a narrow escape on Wednesday when protesting students from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) attacked her convoy in Abeokuta. The students, armed with sticks and other projectiles, were demonstrating against the dissolution of their union government and a recent hike in school fees.
The incident occurred while the deputy governor’s convoy was en route to the 35 Artillery Brigade Alamala to represent Governor Dapo Abiodun at the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration. Despite efforts by security operatives and police officers to calm the situation, the students became more aggressive when they realized the deputy governor was in the convoy.
To avoid further confrontation, the convoy made a detour to the deputy governor’s lodge, allowing the protesting students to pass peacefully. Fortunately, the deputy governor escaped unharmed, although some security vehicles were damaged, and members of her security detail sustained injuries.
This incident is quite alarming and raises serious concerns about the state of student protests in our institutions. It’s unfortunate that the students resorted to violence to express their grievances, as this only escalates tensions and undermines their cause. The dissolution of their union government and the hike in school fees are indeed pressing issues, but there must be better ways to address them. The deputy governor’s narrow escape is a reminder of how quickly situations can spiral out of control. It’s crucial for both the government and the students to engage in dialogue to find a peaceful resolution. What measures are being taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future? How can we foster a more constructive environment for addressing student concerns?