Ondo students protest over insecurity, unfulfilled promises by Gov. Aiyedatiwa

Students under the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Ondo State took to the streets on Thursday to protest against poor governance, rising insecurity, and unfulfilled promises by the state government.

The protest, which saw a large turnout of students, took place on the busy Oba Adesida Road, right in front of the ‘A’ Division Police Station. The demonstrators called on the government to urgently address the growing insecurity in the state.

Carrying placards with messages such as “Our schools are not safe, Mr. Governor,” and “You promised our graduates jobs, fulfill your promise,” the students expressed frustration over the worsening security situation

They highlighted how many students undergoing Industrial Training (IT) through the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) have become victims of kidnappings, with abductors demanding ransom from their families.

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The protesters accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of failing to act despite repeated assurances to tackle the crisis.

A video obtained by SaharaReporters captured a tense moment when armed soldiers confronted the students, attempting to disperse them. In the footage, a soldier was seen cocking his r+fle, which escalated tensions. However, a quick intervention by a police officer prevented the situation from turning violent.

“The kidnappers are targeting us and collecting ransom,” one of the protesters lamented. They urged the state government to prioritize their safety and take concrete steps to resolve the issue of unemployment among graduates.

At this moment the state government hasn’t officially said anything about the students’ protests The students themselves have promised to keep protesting until the government listens to what they want They’re determined to continue their actions until their concerns are fully acknowledged and addressed by the appropriate authorities