Auchi Poly Shooting: Obi Claims Loss of Lives, School Says No Deaths

Tension gripped the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi in Edo State, following a disruptive incident involving sporadic gunfire during the Students’ Union Government (SUG) elections held at the institution’s sports complex.

The chaos forced the electoral process to be declared inconclusive due to observed irregularities.

Despite widespread reports, particularly on social media, suggesting that the violence resulted in student casualties, the school management has categorically denied any deaths or injuries.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, was among those who reacted to the incident.

In a post that gained widespread attention, he expressed concern, claiming he had watched a video showing students fleeing as shots were fired during the elections.

According to Obi, the violence allegedly led to the death of two students and left several others injured.

However, in an official statement released on Monday, the institution firmly refuted these claims. The Director of the Public Relations Division of Auchi Polytechnic, Mrs. Angela Egele, described the reports as “false, misleading, and completely unfounded.”

“The management wishes to categorically state that no student was shot, injured, or killed during the election process,” Egele clarified. “While there were irregularities that led to the suspension and declaration of the elections as inconclusive, the allegations of fatalities are entirely baseless.”

She further outlined the presence of various security agencies deployed to monitor and maintain order throughout the electoral exercise. These included the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Mobile Police (MOPOL), and a local vigilante group.

Emphasizing the school’s commitment to safety, the spokesperson urged the general public, stakeholders, and media organizations to disregard any circulating misinformation regarding the incident.

“Auchi Polytechnic remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure academic environment for all students and staff,” Egele concluded.