Arm-wielding thugs on Monday attacked the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Professor Eyitayo Ogunbodede, and members of his entourage in Ife.
The attack was necessitated as a result of the attempt by the VC and members of his team to inspect a portion of land belonging to OAU but allegedly taken over by some Ife community indigenes at Parakin area of the town.
Upon arriving at the location, the thugs apparently having a foreknowledge of the visit, went berserk and ordered every occupant of the vehicles in the vice-chancellor entourage to remain in their vehicles or be killed.
In the team of the VC were members of the school management, OAU public relations officer, Mr. Abiodun Olanrewaju, the Chief Security Officer of the institution, members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists.
The unruly hoodlums also injured one of the school’s security men while attempting to scare the team away.
The Vice-Chancellor while condemning the attack maintained that the institution would not cede its land to the community.
He was however quick to add that the institution would always ensure that peace reigns between the university and members of the community.
