Protests Erupt at Adekunle Ajasin University Over Alleged Student Killings
Students from Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) in Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, recently took to the streets in a mass protest following allegations of a student being killed by local residents. The demonstration came just weeks after two students from the university were reportedly abducted and murdered by individuals who had since been arrested by the police.
The latest incident involved Joy Adeyemi, a student from the Department of Human Kinetics. She was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend, who is believed to be an indigene of the town. The alleged killer fled the area after the crime, leaving behind a trail of suspicion and outrage among the student community.
During the protest, students chanted solidarity songs and carried placards with messages such as “At Akungba Akoko, say no to students killing,” “Stop killing us, AAUA students,” and “The state government should intervene in the killing of AAUA students.” These slogans reflected the deep frustration and fear among the student population, who feel increasingly vulnerable due to the recent incidents.
One protester, who introduced himself as Kunle, shared details about the case. He stated that Joy Adeyemi had disappeared on Tuesday after being locked in her boyfriend’s room. Neighbors eventually noticed a bad smell coming from the room and raised the alarm. Upon investigation, they discovered that she had been stabbed to death. The boyfriend reportedly fled the scene, taking the money from her point-of-sale (POS) business.
Kunle emphasized the need for urgent action from the state government. He said, “It is high time the state government did something about the killings of our students by the indigenes of this town. If nothing is done, this may lead to a serious crisis in this community. You remember that some weeks ago, two of our students were also kidnapped and killed. So something has to be done.”
National Student Body Condemns Violence
The National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Committee (NANS) also condemned the incident in a statement. The organization expressed deep sorrow over the violence targeting students at AAUA and called for immediate action from the Ondo State Government and security agencies.
In the statement, NANS highlighted the tragic loss of two students who had been brutally killed just weeks prior. It also noted that another female student had fallen victim to similar senseless violence. The group demanded accountability and urged authorities to implement robust security measures to protect students.
The statement read, “The incessant killings are a clear indication of a security lapse that must be addressed urgently. In light of these tragic events, NANS issues a 24-hour ultimatum to the Ondo State Government and all relevant security agencies to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of these crimes, implement robust security measures to prevent further attacks on students and ensure the safety and security of all students within the university and its environs.”
If the demands are not met, NANS warned that it would mobilize student structures across the country to stage a massive peaceful protest until their concerns were addressed.
Police Confirm Arrests and Investigation
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Ondo State, Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident and stated that three suspects had been arrested. He added that efforts were ongoing to locate and arrest other fleeing suspects while the investigation continued.
Akinpelumi, the Head of Media and Protocols at AAUA, urged students to avoid taking the law into their own hands. He encouraged them to allow the police to conduct a thorough investigation and assured them that justice would be served.
“We are only appealing to the students not to take the law into their hands and they should allow the police to do a thorough investigation and I’m sure justice would be served on the perpetrators,” he said.
Calls for Immediate Action
The situation has sparked widespread concern among students, faculty, and community members. Many believe that the repeated incidents of violence against students indicate a growing security threat that requires urgent attention. With protests continuing and pressure mounting on authorities, the demand for transparency, accountability, and stronger security measures remains high.
