Some students of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, in Ikot Ekpene, on Monday picketed the school’s major gate to protest alleged insecurity and police brutality.

Led by the student union president, Geoffrey George, the students were seen carrying placards with inscriptions such as: “End police brutality now,” “Protect, save, don’t abuse,” and “This extortion must stop,” among others.

Speaking to journalists, Mr George decried the presence of hoodlums and petty criminals within the school community.

He said the activities of the police had heightened fears among the student community instead of providing security.

Mr George said students of the polytechnic were regularly abused, extorted, and harassed by police officers.

“The world must have seen a video recently posted on social media, where a student of the institution was beaten and dragged on the ground by policemen.

“Our students face extortion by policemen in Ikot Ekpene. We are not safe, especially those students living in the communities within the school environment.

“Hoodlums snatch phones from students and attack them with arms. This is not good; we cannot continue to live this way,” he said.

DSP Timfon John, the police public relations officer in Akwa Ibom, said the police had invited the students’ leadership to a meeting.

“The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, has invited the students to a meeting to resolve the issues they have raised,” she said.

(NAN)