There was tension and confusion on Wednesday at Kwara State Polytechnic in Ilorin after reports that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were seen around the institution, sparking fear among students and leading to a brief protest.
The situation, which unfolded in the early hours of the day, caused panic across the campus as students reportedly ran in different directions, unsure of what was happening. The development came at a sensitive time, as many students were in the middle of their examinations.
Eyewitness accounts suggested that the presence of armed operatives near the school created an atmosphere of fear. Some students claimed they saw officers patrolling areas close to the campus, while videos shared on social media appeared to show an officer chasing a student, further increasing tension.
“We suddenly saw people running everywhere,” one student said. “At first, nobody understood what was going on, but when we heard it was EFCC, fear spread quickly.”
Another student expressed concern over the timing of the operation, noting that it disrupted the exam environment. “It is not right for such operations to happen when students are writing exams. Many of us were shaken and could not concentrate,” the student said.
The unrest soon led to a protest by some students, who took to the streets to express their anger. The protesters reportedly burned tyres along parts of Old Jebba Road, a major route leading to the institution, causing temporary disruption to traffic in the area.
Security agencies quickly moved in to control the situation. A police van from the Oke-Oyi Division was stationed at the main gate of the Polytechnic, while other security personnel were deployed to prevent further escalation.
The protest, however, was short-lived as calm was gradually restored through the intervention of security officials and the school authorities.
In a statement issued later in the day, the management of Kwara State Polytechnic assured parents, guardians, and the general public that the situation had been brought under control.
“The management wishes to inform the public that a peaceful academic environment has been fully restored on campus and its surroundings following a brief protest by a few students,” the statement read.
The institution also moved to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to the management, the EFCC operation that triggered the panic did not take place within the campus but in a nearby community.
“The incident originated from reports of security operatives carrying out official duties in Agbede village, which is close to the Polytechnic. This caused concern among some students,” the statement explained.
The school further stressed that no student of the institution was arrested during the operation, addressing one of the major fears that had fueled the protest.
“It is important to note that no arrests of students were made during the security operation,” the management stated.
The authorities also downplayed the scale of the protest, noting that only a small number of students were involved. They commended the quick response of security agencies and the institution’s internal security team for preventing the situation from getting worse.
“The swift and professional intervention of security personnel ensured that the situation was contained promptly and without escalation,” the statement added.
Despite the tension earlier in the day, the Polytechnic maintained that academic activities, including ongoing examinations, were not disrupted.
“Students scheduled for morning examinations have been checked in by their invigilators, and exams are ongoing as planned,” the management said.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the activities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which is responsible for investigating financial crimes such as internet fraud, money laundering, and corruption.
In recent years, the EFCC has intensified its operations across Nigeria, particularly targeting suspected internet fraudsters, often referred to as “Yahoo boys.” Many of these operations are carried out in urban areas and communities close to higher institutions, where young people are sometimes linked to such activities.
While the agency has recorded several arrests and convictions, its methods have occasionally sparked controversy, especially when operations take place near campuses or residential areas, leading to claims of harassment or mistaken identity.
Students in many institutions have, in the past, raised concerns about the impact of such operations on their safety and academic activities. There have also been calls for better communication and coordination to avoid unnecessary panic.
The events at Kwara State Polytechnic reflect this ongoing challenge. Although the operation did not take place داخل the campus, its proximity was enough to trigger fear among students already under pressure from examinations.
For many students, the experience was unsettling. Some said they initially thought the school itself was being raided, which led to panic and confusion.
“I thought they had come into the campus to arrest students,” one student said. “That was why everyone started running.”
The management’s quick clarification helped to calm nerves, but the incident has left lingering concerns about how similar situations can be avoided in the future.
As calm returned to the campus, normal activities resumed, and students continued with their examinations. The road leading to the institution was also cleared, allowing free movement of vehicles and commuters.
The Polytechnic reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of its students and staff, urging members of the public not to panic.
“The road is clear and safe for travel,” the management said. “We remain committed to maintaining a safe and conducive environment for learning.”