Protest erupts in UNIBEN over three-day water, power outage

Early morning visitors to the Ekheuan Campus of the University of Benin were left stranded on Saturday after students shut the main entrance in protest over a prolonged blackout and water shortage.

The students blocked the gate, preventing workers, business operators and guests from gaining access to the campus.

Some people who had scheduled social events within the school premises arrived with canopies, chairs and other materials, but were unable to enter due to the protest.

According to the students, the campus has been without electricity and water for the past three days, making living conditions difficult in the hostels.

They also alleged that on Friday night, an unidentified man armed with a cutlass attempted to break into the female hostel. In the process of trying to escape, the suspect reportedly bit a student, causing injury.

“For you to have your bath is like getting a hold in this campus” a student said.

Another student who gave his name as Prosper said “We have been in this situation for the past three days, no light, no water yet we have paid our fees including several other charges that have been increased since the beginning of the new session. The hostels are messed up because there is no water.

The presence of the Deputy Rector, Ekheuan Campus of the University, Professor Adesina Ayinde did not assuage the students. He told them plans had been concluded to give the students water today while the issue of light was being sorted out but the students insisted they would not open the gate until they see water.

Very Nigerian gathered that the only generator in the campus had packed up. It was also gathered that there was a back up generator bought during the time of Professor Friday Orunmwense but that the last administration of Professor Lilian Salami move it to the main campus in Ugbowo without any reason.

As at the time of filing this report, the DVC and other senior staff of the University were still trying to pacify the students to open the gate.

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