The Ijaw Youth Council in Western Zone has condemned the shooting of protesting students by policemen attached to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Commission Secretariat in Warri.
Daily Report Nigeria had reported how many students were left injured after security operatives fired gunshots and tear gas at the them.
The aggrieved students were protesting over the non-payment of bursaries by the Commission before their attack by the security agents.
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In a statement on Thursday by the IYC Western leadership led by Comrade Dr. Doubra Okotete, the group expressed disappointment at the actions of the commission.
The statement co-signed by Lugard Izoukumor and Ekereke Onduke Tamaraukuro, Information Officer and Student Representative of the zone reads in full;
“The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone, yesterday’s night was inundated of how students of Delta State, were shot by security men attached to Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC) via a peaceful protest by the students, demanding the payment of their bursary that was approved since 2019, which has not been paid by the Commission.
“It is indeed despicable that the protest, which started as a peaceful demand by these students for Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC) to pay their bursary ended up with police brutality.
“The right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed by Section 40 of Nigeria’s Constitution, the United Nations Universal Declarations on Human Rights, the African Union Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and other relevant international conventions.
“The use of live bullets to suppress and harm peaceful protesters is a high crime against the people of Nigeria and must be roundly condemned by all patriots and lovers of democracy.
“Hence, we condemn this dastardly act, in strong terms and urge H.E Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and the Commissioner of Police; CP Ari Muhammed Ali to make a far-reaching investigation for justice to be served.
“In view of the above, we also feel disappointed by the administrative governance of misrule by the MD/CEO of the Commission; Bashorun Askia Ogieh over his approach to the welfare of Delta State students.
“It is unfortunate to note that when tuition fees in Delta State are skyrocketing, the Commission would still find it insensitive not to pay a pot of cash since 2019.
“Finally, the strive for a just, equitable and prosperous Delta State is a task we all must achieve but this cannot be realized in a situation of anarchy.
“We all must exercise restraint and do the needful in service to justice, therefore, we enjoin the Commission to take full responsibility for the injured students and reach out to the leadership to resolve this crisis peacefully and amicably.”
