DAY 4 OF #ENDKILLINGS: EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE 100 STUDENTS HOSPITALISED DUE TO FUMIGATION BY AYO ADEMILUYI ESQ.

I am seized of the unfortunate circumstances of 100 students of the College of Health and Technology, Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State hospitalised after inhaling poisonous gas.

I am aware that officers of the Federal Fire Service that undertook the fumigation had been arrested.

I am seized of media reports that the 100 students of the College of Health and Technology, Ijero-Ekiti, were on Wednesday, 26th May, 2021 rushed to hospitals after inhaling a poisonous substance while writing an examination.

I am aware that the students passed out as soon as the poisonous substance, proceeding from a fumigation work around the school premises, diffused into the classrooms.

I am aware that the fumigation was carried out by men of the Federal Fire Service in the state.

I am aware that the development triggered protest on Wednesday evening, which disrupted academic activities in the institution.

I am aware that the State’s Commissioner for Health, Banji Filani, confirmed the incident.

I am also aware that one Olanrewaju Olamide, Chairman of the Ekiti State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the incident as ill-timed at a time when students were present and writing exams was uncalled for.  

I commend NANS Ekiti JCC, which the media confirmed were part of the team evacuating the affected students, which it has also described the incident as an attempted mass murder.  

I am also aware that NANS Ekiti JCC had in a press release, demanded that Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State, visit the school to address students in order to restore peace.

It has also demanded that the Ekiti State Government to take responsibility for the treatment of hospitalized students.

I join voices with NANS Ekiti JCC to demand that the Governor of Ekiti State takes responsibility for this unfortunate incident. 

As the National Week of Action of Students, Youth and Workers against Killings and Kidnappings declared by NANS Zone D with pro-working people's organisations enter Day 4, I call on the leadership of NANS Zone D and NANS Ekiti State JCC to take the next step of placing a 48 hours' ultimatum on the Ekiti State Government to take responsibility for the unwarranted travails of the convalescing students, failing which all organs of NANS Zone D should be mobilised to Ekiti State to protest the insensitivity of the Ekiti State Government.

AYO ADEMILUYI ESQ.

Lagos.

09097933015.

27th May, 2021.