Chaos erupted in parts of Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Friday as students from Aquinas College allegedly clashed with peers from Commercial Secondary School and St. Michael’s Secondary School in the Continental area of the city.
Eyewitnesses reported a violent free-for-all, where students hurled stones and broken bottles at each other, resulting in several injuries and damage to vehicles. Disturbingly, accounts indicated that students were freely using dangerous weapons during the altercation.
A video of the incident, which has since circulated widely on social media, captured alarming sounds of distress, with many describing the violence as “strange” and noting that such clashes had not been witnessed in Akure for years.
Eyewitness Afolabi Oluwabukolami recounted, “Fortunately, I happened to pass by the school at that moment. The students were throwing stones and broken bottles, and I felt frightened even inside the car.”
Another social media user, Oluwatoyin Blessing Ezekiel, confirmed the presence of security agencies at the scene, stating, “The security agencies were there yesterday.”
Public reactions on social media have been divided, with many condemning the violence and calling for improved parental and school discipline. SA Bright commented, “Parents have to wake up to their responsibilities because charity begins at home.”
Audu Eneji Seun Joseph suggested the conflict might stem from personal issues, saying, “Chai!! E fit be on girl matter like that.” Jibayor Tbk wrote, “Passed there this afternoon and it was serious. Akure students are something else. This Aquinas, Saint Michael, CAC, Seven Stars… they need to remove bad eggs from those schools.”
Hellen Abosede Helightapparels added, “Ah! Last week ma, St Dominic’s and United CAC. Na police their teachers use scare them. Nawa o.”
Comr O’Seyi, identifying as a member of the Aquinas community, urged against generalizing the actions of a few students, saying, “Don’t spoil the good name of the school. We don’t do such. ACA… Integritas.”
When contacted, the Principal of Aquinas College, Tai-Adebowale Adelusi, declined to provide details, stating he was not authorized to comment but insisted that “as far as I know, nobody was injured yesterday.” He explained that the situation would be handled by the Ministry of Education and the Zonal Education Office.
In response, the Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, condemned the incident and announced an immediate investigation to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences.
