The rioters destroyed some buildings under construction which include the Exams and Records Department, staff quarters and also carted away some valuables belonging to construction workers at the site.
The protesters, allegedly from Ihiagwa and Obinze, stormed the university premises last week and vandalized some structures including houses built by estate developers.
Conducting newsmen round the affected buildings, the public relations officer of the university, Mr. Chike Ezenwa, said the communities had earlier made demands for compensation on the land where the university is sited.
He said: “Estate developers have entered into a “build, operate and transfer” agreement with the university and are expected to hand over the houses to the university after 20 years.”
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Imo State Police Command, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the incident and said the police have commenced full investigation into the incident.
Enwerem confirmed that some suspects have been arrested in connection with the matter.
Meanwhile, pro chancellor of the university, Dr. Emma Enemuo, at a press conference, accused the traditional rulers of the communities for instigating the youths to attack the school for its refusal to negotiate with them on compensation demands.
He appealed to the federal government to intervene to prevent future occurrence, as according to him members of the two communities have vowed on more attacks on the school.
He said: “They claimed that the compensation given to them was based on the 1979 rate as against 1980 rate. We have adequately paid them compensation and employed many of our staff from the two communities.”
However, the traditional ruler of Ihiagwa, one of the host communities, Eze James Muruako, denied the allegation leveled against traditional rulers by the Pro-Chancellor.
He said: “The communities are only demanding for better employment of its youth in the school, compensation and admission for its citizens among other things.”
Angry youths attack FUTO
The rioters destroyed some buildings under construction which include the Exams and Records Department, staff quarters and also carted away some valuables belonging to construction…