Violence Erupts at Auchi Polytechnic as Election Turns Chaotic – Indigenes Allegedly Coerce Students, Security Forces Compromised

Chaos unfolded at Auchi Polytechnic on Thursday, July 5, 2025, as what was supposed to be a peaceful student election turned into a full-blown crisis. Tensions escalated when Auchi indigenes allegedly began to forcibly coerce Nigerian students into voting for their candidate—against the will of many voters.

Sources at the scene describe a disturbing turn of events as election proceedings took a violent twist, with indigenes reportedly resorting to intimidation tactics to sway the outcome. “When it became clear their candidate wasn’t leading, they didn’t hesitate to use force,” said a student who witnessed the incident.

Several students were left injured in the aftermath of violent confrontations between opposing factions. Eyewitnesses say the clashes took place near polling booths, with indigenes blocking voters from casting their ballots unless they conformed to their demands. “It was like a war zone,” one student recounted. “They were threatening us, saying we had to vote for their own candidate or face the consequences.”

A number of student groups have since demanded a full investigation into the matter, calling the election results “invalid” due to the violence and the alleged involvement of corrupt security forces. “We cannot stand by and allow such a blatant abuse of power to undermine the integrity of our elections,” stated a student.

The election, which was supposed to elect student leaders for the upcoming academic session, has now become a major point of contention within the polytechnic community. While some have hailed the indigenes’ actions as necessary for preserving “local power,” others have called for urgent reforms and for those responsible to be held accountable.

This incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many accusing the authorities of turning a blind eye to the violence and intimidation. As calls for justice grow louder, the future of Auchi Polytechnic’s student body remains uncertain, with many students fearing that future elections may be subject to similar corruption.