“Stop intimidating students” Federal Polytechnic Oko students cry out after hostels were raided and students were allegedly arrested by Special Anti-Cultism Squad (video)

The Special Anti-Cultism Squad, formerly known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Anambra State, have been accused of raiding students’ hostel at night and randomly arresting students.

Some students of the Federal Polytechnic Oko said they were asleep in their respective lodges when officers stormed their hostels, broke into their rooms, and picked them up after accusing them of being “thieves”.

One of the students, said he was with his wife and little kids when the officers broke into his lodge, traumatising his family.

The students said they initially thought the officers were armed robbers, considering how they broke in, before the armed men took them to the station.

Those who could pay for their release were allegedly allowed to go while those who couldn’t are alleged to still be in custody.

Students of the institution claim the raids happened more than once, with the latest incident taking place on Tuesday, December 10.

According to the school’s media website, “The Federal Polytechnic Oko has recently become the site of unsettling events that have left students in a state of fear and confusion.

“On December 10, 2024, individuals claiming to be from the Special Anti-Cultism Squad of the Nigerian police force broke into the Matt City Lodge at Triple Tree Hotel, where many students were staying, and arrested several innocent individuals in the dead of night.

“Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident; reports indicate that similar occurrences have taken place twice this month.”

The Student Union Government have now released a statement on Thursday, Dec. 12, urging the Special Anti-Cultism Squad to stop harassing their students.