What was meant to be a routine democratic exercise at Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, descended into deadly chaos on Saturday as the Students’ Union Government (SUG) election spiraled into violent mayhem. At least two students have reportedly died, and several others sustained injuries in an election marred by ballot snatching, gunshots, and suspected use of tear gas.
A disturbing viral video obtained by The Nigeria Education News showed dozens of students scaling the school’s perimeter fence in panic while sporadic gunfire echoed in the background. Smoke filled the air near the voting venue, reinforcing widespread suspicion that tear gas was deployed. Witnesses also reported that some youths brandishing knives stormed the area, adding to the tension and fear.
Eyewitnesses claim the violence was sparked by the desperation of supporters of a candidate known as Voice, who hails from the Akpekpe area in Auchi. According to a student who asked to remain anonymous, the election had proceeded peacefully until it became clear that Voice was trailing his main opponent, Verify, a candidate widely supported by the students.
“Voice was banking on his local support base and the influence of some notable figures in Auchi. He didn’t expect to lose,” the student said. “But the students spoke with their votes and threw their weight behind Verify. That was when the tide turned ugly.”
Reports allege that when it became evident that Voice was losing, his agents began raising alarms, prompting a sudden invasion by armed local youths believed to be loyal to him. “They snatched ballot boxes, began firing shots into the air and released tear gas canisters. It became a full-blown stampede,” said another witness, who narrowly escaped the chaos.
The most harrowing part of the incident is the reported loss of two students’ lives, a tragedy that has sparked outrage across student communities nationwide. Multiple videos posted on social media reveal bloodstains on the ground, students weeping, and lifeless bodies being hurriedly carried away.
Efforts by The Nigeria Education News to obtain an official statement from the institution proved futile, as Auchi Polytechnic has not had an appointed spokesperson since the death of its last Public Relations Officer in 2022. Meanwhile, when contacted, the Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, claimed he was yet to receive any formal report on the incident.
Condemnation has poured in from across the country. “This shows how backward Nigeria is in terms of politics. If students can’t conduct a peaceful SUG election, how do we expect them to lead this country tomorrow?” one user commented on X (formerly Twitter).
Comparisons have been drawn with more peaceful student elections in institutions like the University of Ilorin, with many questioning why violence has become endemic even in supposed leadership grooming platforms. “It’s heartbreaking,” said a student from the institution. “Just a 10-month tenure election, and lives have already been lost. This is not democracy, it’s madness.”
Some are calling for an immediate suspension of student unionism on the campus. “The school should place a ban on SUG activities indefinitely. It’s obvious the environment is no longer safe for such engagements,” a student who spoke under anonymity told The Nigeria Education News.
The incident comes barely months after a similar tragedy occurred at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), where another student lost his life. No arrests have been made in either case, and public outcry over the lack of accountability is growing.
There’s a growing sentiment that Nigeria’s toxic political culture is trickling down into student circles. “These boys are simply mimicking the behavior of our politicians thuggery, ballot snatching, and using violence to win elections,” noted a political analyst based in Benin City. “It’s not just sad; it’s a national emergency.”
While the identities of the deceased students remain unconfirmed as of press time, local sources have described the mood on campus as “tense and fearful.” Many students have reportedly left the school premises, fearing further reprisals or unrest.
The unfolding tragedy raises broader questions about the future of student leadership in Nigerian institutions and the role of authorities in ensuring safety and order. Until those in power begin to address the roots of political violence and disillusionment among youth, the cycle of bloodshed and impunity may continue.
For now, Auchi Polytechnic grieves. The dream of student-led governance has been stained by violence, and the cost of democracy has been paid in lives far too young to die.
