Students of D.S. Adegbenro Polytechnic, Itori, Ogun State, on Tuesday, blocked the Itori/Ewekoro corridor of the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway to protest an alleged killing of one of them by suspected armed robbers.
According to the students, the armed men attacked the students’ hostel at Eruku community on Monday night, robbing several victims of their valuables while one was shot dead and two others sustained serious injuries.
The deceased, a female final year student sustained a gunshot injury and was rushed to Shodipo Hospital in Eruku where she died, while one of the injured victims was said to have been transferred to FMC Abeokuta.
SUG President of the school, Opeyemi Ogunuga, lamented the incessant attacks by criminals, alleging that students were frequently robbed on their way to and from school.
He added that the students had repeatedly appealed for tighter security around the area, which he said, had yielded little or no results.
He called on the Ogun State Government, security agencies and relevant authorities to urgently intervene by strengthening security around the institution and its host communities.
“No student should lose their lives while pursuing an education. We demand immediate action to protect lives and restore confidence in the safety of the area,” he said.
Addressing the students, the Area Commander of the Ewekoro Division, ACP Seyi Williams, described the incident as unfortunate and promised that the police would conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
He sympathised with the students and assured them that those responsible for the atrocities would be identified and brought to justice.
He, however appealed to the students to clear the road and allow motorists and pedestrians to go about their lawful daily activities.
He noted that the road is a federal highway and, as such, serves thousands of commuters daily, urging them not to obstruct traffic that could inconvenience innocent motorists and residents.
Meanwhile, the school has postponed the exams scheduled to hold on Tuesday and Wednesday till Friday to enable students in the affected areas regain their composure.
This was communicated in a statement issued by Engr. Gideon Adekunle, the Chairman Timetable, Examination and Academic Calendar Committee of the school.
“Exams continue on Friday July 30, as scheduled on the timetable. The new schedule for the postponed exams will be communicated in due course,” he said.
