No Shooting During SUG Election, Federal Polytechnic Ede Clarifies

The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, has dismissed widespread social media reports alleging that students were shot or killed during the recently conducted Students’ Union Government (SUG) election on campus

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the institution described the reports as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic among students, parents, and the public. The school management emphasized that the election was conducted peacefully under close supervision by campus security personnel and representatives from the Directorate of Student Affairs “The attention of the management has been drawn to unfounded rumours circulating online that there was a shooting incident on campus during the SUG election. We wish to categorically state that no such incident occurred. The election was peaceful, and there was no record of violence or casualties,” the statement read in part. The polytechnic authorities further urged students and members of the public to disregard unverified information being spread on social media platforms, stressing that the institution remains committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all students According to reports, the confusion began after several unverified posts surfaced online on Monday night, claiming that gunmen had opened fire during the election, leaving students injured and others in critical condition. The rumours quickly gained traction, prompting the management to issue a swift clarification Security operatives attached to the campus also confirmed that there was no shooting, noting that the election process was generally calm, except for minor disagreements typical of student politics. This is not the first time the institution has had to address issues related to misinformation during student elections. In previous years, the management had suspended SUG activities following violent clashes among rival student groups, but normalcy was later restored after disciplinary actions and tighter regulations on campus politics. Observers say the recent rumour may have been influenced by reports of violence at other tertiary institutions, including Auchi Polytechnic, where a Students’ Union election earlier this year was marred by chaos and allegations of shootings — claims later denied by the school authorities. The Federal Polytechnic, Ede management has assured that it remains focused on maintaining peace and discipline on campus while fostering a democratic environment where students can exercise their electoral rights without fear or intimidation. The statement concluded with a warning that those spreading false information aimed at disrupting peace within the campus community would be identified and sanctioned in line with institutional regulations.