CSOs Debunk Death Rumours in Auchi Poly SUG Election Violence, Call for Calm and Accountability

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Transparency in Governance, led by the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI), has dismissed what it described as misleading and unverified reports concerning the violence that erupted during the Student Union Government (SUG) elections at the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State.

At a press briefing held in Abuja on Friday, the Convener, Comrade Danesi Momoh Prince, and Co-convener, Comrade Igwe Ude-umanta, clarified that their intervention was to correct the misinformation surrounding the July 5, 2025, incident. They acknowledged the violence but insisted that it was swiftly brought under control and that investigations were already underway to uncover its root causes.

The Coalition specifically refuted online claims alleging that two students lost their lives and others were injured during the incident. “We confidently state that no student died. These reports were not verified with either the school authorities or relevant security agencies,” the group declared.

Raising concern over the panic caused by such claims, the Coalition criticized public figures who shared the unverified reports without fact-checking, noting that such behavior could erode public trust in educational institutions and incite unnecessary fear among parents and the public.

They affirmed that the election was well-secured with the presence of internal security, the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, NSCDC, and local vigilantes. According to them, the disruption was orchestrated by external individuals allegedly brought in when a certain candidate was losing. Armed with sticks and knives, they attempted to instill fear among students. The Mobile Police responded using tear gas—not live bullets—to disperse the crowd. One asthmatic student reportedly fainted in the chaos but was promptly treated and discharged.

The group challenged anyone with proof of fatalities to provide names and identities of any deceased students. They also commended the Rector and the Polytechnic’s management for their professional response to the situation.

To forestall future occurrences, the Coalition recommended suspending the SUG election and establishing an interim student committee until investigations are complete and the perpetrators are prosecuted.

Concluding, the Coalition urged responsible public discourse, emphasizing the dangers of spreading unverified information and calling for calm as authorities continue their investigations, assuring all stakeholders that justice will prevail.