University of Uyo riot leaves one student dead

                 
What was intended to be a peaceful demonstration, gradually turned into a riot and resulted in the death of some students. The Engineering students of the University of Uyo yesterday afternoon went for a peaceful demonstration to the office of the school's Vice Chancellor, Prof Comfort Ekpo, following the VC's mandate that students should now pay N100 for the school bus which used to be free. The school management had shifted most of the Science student courses to the school's permanent site which is about 20 minutes drive from the main campus, and then made the shuttle N100. That means students will have to pay N200 to and fro everyday to the permanent campus for most of their lectures.

This was what the students were protesting yesterday afternoon when things went crazy. The peaceful protest turned violent after security officials at the V.C's office tried to stop the students from gaining access to the Vice Chancellor.

The students allegedly retaliated by throwing stones at the security officials, who then called for police back-up which led to the riot. The police arrived the scene and aggravated the situation by firing shots at the students, killing at least one student. Some say two. Some say three.

Angry students now proceeded to burn down the VC's office, the exams and records building, and a security office. Students have been evacuated from the hostel, and the school has been shut down indefinitely.