By Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Socioeconomic activities came to an abrupt end in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Monday afternoon when scores of students of two public secondary schools were locked in fierce battle following attempts to avenge the death of two of their colleagues killed during an illicit inter-schools’ gambling session.

The incident involved students of Baptist Boys High School (BBHS), Saje who invaded Ilugun High School located within the Federal Housing Estate (FHE), also in Saje area of the metropolis to avenge the death of their colleagues.

Their colleagues were allegedly stabbed to death last week during a gambling session that turned bloody.

It was learnt the BBHS students, armed with guns, cutlasses, broken bottles and assorted charms, stormed Ilugun High School and held the teachers and students hostage.

They reportedly shot sporadically and chanted anti-management songs, warning the principal and teachers to keep off or be gunned down.

Read Also: FG working with security agencies to secure schools – Minister

The Nation learnt the BBHS boys invaded Ilugun High School based on suspicion they killed their colleagues.

They vowed not to vacate the premises until they avenge the death of their colleagues.

Many teachers and students of the school ran in different directions while some scaled the perimeter fence to avoid being caught up in the crisis, which later spread to all adjourning streets.

Traders and artisans, who had earlier opened for businesses, hurriedly closed down and fled.

Vehicles and commuters also deserted the area for fear of being attacked.

One of the shop owners in the area, who managed to return after security operatives had taken over, said students of the two schools last week indulged in gambling, which was reportedly won by BBHS at the expense of their counterparts in Ilugun.

The gambling reportedly degenerated into a conflict, which left “two BBHS students stabbed with broken bottles.

“One of the BBHS students stabbed died last Friday while the second one died yesterday evening. But the students of BBHS were not happy about the incident and that was why they came out in violent protest against students of Ilugun High School today,” the shop owner stated.

Ogun Police spokesman, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident.

He said the Command has deployed security operatives to the area to restore sanity.