Student’s death: TASUED calls for calm as colleagues threaten protest

Student associations have demanded justice over the killing of a 300-level student of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) during a clash within the institution’s host community.

The deceased, alleged to be a cultist, died during the face-off between the Imaweje community and students of the institution.

His death led to a retaliatory attack on the community, resulting in the burning down of the palace of the Imaweje monarch.

In a statement on Monday, the Ogun state chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) demanded the immediate probe and prosecution of the people behind the student’s death.

In the statement signed by Damilola Kehinde Simeon, Ogun NANS chairman, the association also demanded the arrest and detention of the community monarch.

“We call on the government of Ogun state to as a matter of urgency take a critical intervention into this matter by first deposing the Baale of Imaweje from the throne and subject him to thorough investigation,” the statement reads.

“We are by this statement declaring publicly our clear interest in getting justice served on this case. We urge the students populace to go by the law pending the period of investigation which we expect to be concluded within the two breaks the University management.

“We do not expect anything less as the reason for the declaration of break. We appeal to all students union presidents of various institutions in the state to be at alert as the association would declare a protest action to shutdown Benin Ore highway from Wednesday 31st of May, 2023 if the Baale is not arrested and detained within the next 24 hours.”

In the same vein, the National Association of University Students (NAUS) said it would engage with the institution, the divisional police officer (DPO) in the area as well as the family of the late student to ensure justice in the case.

The union condemned the alleged jungle justice meted on the late student by members of the host community.

‘NO STONE WOULD BE LEFT UNTURNED’

Meanwhile, the institution has called for calm amid the ongoing investigation into the matter.

Odubela A.O, the varsity’s spokesperson, said no stone would be left unturned in the case.

“The management uses this medium to implore all students to remain calm as efforts are being taken to get to the root of the issue, as no stone would be left unturned,” he said.

“The University has already contacted the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure the restoration of peace and order.

“The University condemns in strongest terms the death of the alleged cultist in the hands of the Vigilante and condoles with the family of the deceased and wishes to state clearly that the safety and well-being of our Students remain of topmost priority.”