A final-year student of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, Ogun State, has been killed while three others sustained injuries after suspected armed robbers attacked a student community in Eruku, Ewekoro Local Government Area.
The tragic incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, has sparked fresh concerns over the safety of students living off campus and prompted the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to call for stronger security measures.
The deceased, an HND II Marketing student, was reportedly shot during the attack, just days before completing her final examinations.
Three other students were injured, including a female student who reportedly suffered a severe ear injury and another who sustained a gunshot wound and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, for treatment.
The incident triggered a protest by students, who blocked the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway for several hours, disrupting traffic.
Confirming the attack, the Rector of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Dr. Goke Rafiu, said the robbers invaded about 15 residential buildings in Eruku Community, where many students live.
“Some armed robbers raided about 15 houses in Eruku where many of our students reside. During the attack, one student was killed, while three others sustained injuries. One of the injured students has been taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, for treatment,” he said.
The rector disclosed that the institution’s management, alongside police officers and the Chairman of the Governing Council, Ambassador Toye Okanlawon, visited the community to assess the situation and discuss urgent security measures.
He appealed to students to remain calm while the government, security agencies and community leaders work together to improve security in the area.
Following the incident, the institution postponed examinations scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday to allow affected students time to recover emotionally and to honour the deceased. A new examination timetable will be announced later.
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Comrade Owoigbe Blessing, described the attack as another example of the recurring insecurity affecting the community and urged the Ogun State Government to strengthen security around the institution.
Reacting to the incident, NANS condemned the killing and expressed concern over the growing insecurity facing students living in off-campus communities.
The association advised students with alternative accommodation to temporarily relocate until security improves and called on the Ogun State Police Command to thoroughly investigate the attack and bring those responsible to justice.
NANS also urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to collaborate with security agencies, school authorities, local government councils, traditional rulers and student leaders to improve security around tertiary institutions.
Similarly, the Ogun State Chairman of NANS, Comrade Olabode Faruq Success, called for increased surveillance and regular security patrols around student communities.
“The rate of insecurity around our campuses is becoming alarming. Students should not lose their lives while pursuing education. We need stronger collaboration between the police, local vigilantes and community leaders to guarantee the safety of students,” he said.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the attack and said officers had been deployed to maintain law and order during the students’ protest, describing the demonstration as peaceful.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect students residing in off-campus communities.
Source :NANS
