The Edo State government had condemned the attack on Akpata, at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) by students of the institution.

The Student Union Government of the University of Benin, in Edo State has been suspended indefinitely, over an attack on the state Labour Party governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata. 

The Edo State government had condemned the attack on Akpata, at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) by students of the institution

The state commissioner for communication and orientation, Chris Nehikhare in a statement had said, the state government condemned in the “strongest terms the violence associated with the Labour Party candidate, Olumide Akpata’s visit to the University of Benin on Friday, April 12, 2024.”

Akpata had accused a senior government official of the state government of masterminding the attack on him at the University of Benin.

The LP governorship candidate, who was a guest at an interactive session organised by the University of Benin Staff Club, was violently interrupted during the event, which caused a crisis within the school premises.

In a viral video released, Akpata said a senior lecturer who sustained injury as a result of the attack is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Benin.

He also debunked allegations that his security personnel shot a student on the campus, noting that nothing like that happened.

However, the University management in a statement signed by Registrar, Ademola Bobola on Monday, approved the indefinite suspension of the university’s students union, noting that the suspension took effect from Monday, April 29, 2024.

All officers of the students’ union were asked to hand over all properties of the union in their possession to the Dean, Students’ Affairs not later than 4pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. 

The school added that in the interim, a Caretaker Committee composed of representatives of faculties, schools, and institutes has been approved to coordinate students’ activities during the period of suspension.

The statement read, “The university management has received the report of the panel constituted to investigate the incidents that occurred in the Faculty of Law and the University’s Senior Staff Club on Friday, April 12, 2024.

“After due consideration of the report by the management, the Vice Chancellor has approved the suspension of the university’s students’ union.

“The suspension which is indefinite, takes immediate effect, that is, from Monday, April 29, 2024.

“Accordingly, all officers of the students’ union are to hand over all properties of the union in their possession to the Dean, Students’ Affairs not later than 4pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

“In the interim, a Caretaker Committee composed of representatives of faculties, schools, and institutes has been approved to coordinate students’ activities during the period of suspension.

“The above directive of the Vice Chancellor is hereby communicated for the attention of the university community and compliance of the erstwhile union officers as appropriate