Auchi Polytechnic shooting denial gains attention as officials refute claims of student deaths during the student election crisis
Auchi Polytechnic shooting denial has sparked a wave of public reactions following recent events at the institution’s Sports Complex.
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The school authorities have firmly rejected reports suggesting that students died during a chaotic incident that disrupted a Students’ Union Government election.
According to online sources and a statement by Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, two students were allegedly killed during gunfire at the election venue.
Obi expressed concern via social media, noting he had seen a disturbing video showing students fleeing under gunfire.
“I saw students running for their lives as they were being shot at during their student election yesterday, which left 2 students dead and several injured,” he said.
Despite these claims, the management of Auchi Polytechnic has stated categorically that no such fatalities occurred.
Angela Egele, the Director of the institution’s Public Relations Division, issued an official statement to debunk the narrative circulating across media platforms.
“The Management categorically states that these claims are false, misleading, and completely unfounded,” she declared.
The school reported that while the electoral process did face disruption due to sporadic shooting, no injuries or deaths were recorded.
The election was declared inconclusive after irregularities were observed, prompting heightened security interventions.
Several security agencies were present at the scene, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, NSCDC, DSS, MOPOL, and local vigilantes.
Egele continued, “For the avoidance of doubt, no student was shot, injured, or killed during the electoral process.
We want to assure everyone that the Polytechnic remains a safe and secure environment for learning.”
The Polytechnic has since urged the public, the press, and all stakeholders to disregard the misinformation.
The management stated that the false news had caused unnecessary panic among parents and the general public.
Observers have raised concerns about the speed with which misinformation can spread online, especially when public figures are involved.
However, some students who were present during the election confirm that although tension was high, they did not witness any loss of life.
One student, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said, “There was confusion and everyone was running, but I did not see anyone fall or get shot. It was scary, but not deadly.”
The school’s administration remains committed to investigating the root causes of the election disruption.
They also plan to put in place stronger safety measures for future events. The spokesperson highlighted the importance of verifying information before publication or public sharing, especially when such claims could cause distress or damage reputations.
Social media reactions to the Auchi Polytechnic shooting denial have been mixed. Some users applauded the institution’s swift response in clarifying the situation, while others continued to express concern over student safety and transparency during campus elections.
In light of this incident, the Polytechnic reiterated its stance on upholding peace and ensuring the welfare of all members of its academic community.
It also encouraged students to remain calm and focus on their academic responsibilities.
The institution has not given a new date for the continuation of the suspended election. However, officials insist that the process will resume only after a thorough review of current procedures and with strengthened security arrangements in place.
Auchi Polytechnic shooting denial serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that institutions, public figures, and media outlets share in maintaining public trust through accuracy and clarity.
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Misinformation, when left unchecked, can create unnecessary fear and hinder the educational process.
