By Charles Akinbode
No fewer than twenty students of Fakunle Unity High School in Osogbo, Osun State capital on Tuesday were hospitalized after becoming unconscious from the teargas fired by the anti-riot police men.
The police men from Mopol 39 Base directly opposite the school were said to have fired the tear gas while engaging in their usual morning drills.
Management of the school located on Osogbo-Ikirun Road hurriedly shut down the academic activities when the smokes of the tear gas filled the school premises and many students already receiving classes became unconscious, a source within the school, who preferred anonymity, revealed.
He said the school had to be shut immediately to prevent more casualties.
According to the source: “Many students became unconscious after inhaling the gas and they were quickly rushed to a private hospital located near the school for treatment. Some others were taken to Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Command through its spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, has apologized to the school.
Speaking with journalists, she said: “I just spoke to the people at the Mopol base. They were just engaging in their morning drills, which involved the use of tear gas. We apologize for the inconvenience. There will be necessary adjustments in operation since the base is now close to where other people also operate their businesses.”
