Gunshots, panic as policemen disrupt protest by sacked OAUTH workers
Ooni wades in, pacifies victims with N10 million, 1,000 bags of rice
THERE was pandemonium at the premises of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital ( OAUTH) Complex when armed policemen invaded the area and chased away protesters.
The Guardian had reported that thousands of the workers had gathered at the hospital in protest against their disengagement by the management over alleged job racketeering and illegal recruitment by some senior members of staff of the health institution.
Angered by their sack, the workers mobilised and shut the hospital main gates in protest last week Thursday, denying the allegations of job racketeering levelled against them.
The protesters had threatened to frustrate activities in the hospital indefinitely if the management fails to reverse its decision.
Meanwhile, as the protest entered its fifth day on Monday, some armed policemen stormed the protest ground, shot into the air sporadically and chased away the protesters who were armed with placards.
The security personnel forced the shut gates open and stationed their patrol vehicles at the gates to prevent further protest.
It was observed that some of the affected workers fled upon hearing gunshots while others summoned courage to loiter as the police team took over the arena.
Meanwhile, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeyeogunwusi, has pacified the sacked workers with N10 million and one thousand bags of rice, with a view to ameliorating their suffering occasioned by the non- payment of their 14 months unpaid salaries.
Oba Ogunwusi, who announced the donation, while addressing the angry youths who occupied his Ile Oodua Palace, assured them that he is currently working with relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health, among others, to resolve the crisis.