Kogi polytechnic shut over killing of female student

The Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja​,​ has been closed indefinitely, following a protest over ​the ​killing of a female student.

The spokesman of the school, Luke Yakubu, told ​journalists in Lokoja on Tuesday that the closure was to prevent loss of lives and property.

He directed all students, including those in hostels​,​ to vacate the school immediately.

Mr. Yakubu said ​the ​management ​took the decision following violent protests​ embarked upon by students earlier in the day over the killing of their female colleague.

The female colleague was allegedly​ ​stabbed ​i​n the chest during a scuffle with a commercial motorcycle (okada) operator over N50 transport fare.

She died on Tuesday morning at the hospital where she was receiving treatment, a development which prompted the students to embark on protest.

The protest later degenerated as the students commandeered a truck carrying cement products and used it to block the Lokoja-Abuja highway.

According to witnesses, the students later set the truck and two other vehicles and many motorcycles ablaze, a development which completely halted vehicular movement on the road for hours.

Many motorists abandoned their vehicles to take refuge in nearby houses and shops as police engaged the irate students.

​The spokesman for police in the state, ASP William Aya, told ​journalists that the situation had been brought under control.

He also said that no arrest was made as the police principally came to pacify the students to leave the highway.