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Students of D.S. Adegbenro Polytechnic, Itori, on Tuesday blocked the Itori/Ewekoro section of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway in protest over the alleged killing of one of their colleagues by suspected armed robbers.
According to the students, the gunmen invaded a students’ hostel at Eruku community on Monday night, robbing several occupants of their valuables. During the attack, a female final-year student was shot dead, while two others sustained serious gunshot injuries.
The deceased was rushed to Shodipo Hospital, Eruku, where she later died from her injuries. One of the injured students was subsequently referred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, for further treatment.
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Opeyemi Ogunuga, lamented the incessant attacks by criminals, alleging that students were frequently robbed on their way to and from the institution.
He said the students had repeatedly appealed for improved security in the area but that their calls had yielded little or no result.
He called on the Ogun State Government, security agencies and other relevant authorities to urgently strengthen security around the institution and its host communities.
“No student should lose their life while pursuing an education. We demand immediate action to protect lives and restore confidence in the safety of the area,” he said.
Addressing the protesting students, the Area Commander of Ewekoro Division, ACP Seyi Williams, described the incident as unfortunate and assured them that the police would carry out a thorough investigation.
He sympathised with the students and promised that those responsible for the attack would be identified, arrested and brought to justice.
The police officer, however, appealed to the students to reopen the highway and allow motorists and other road users to go about their lawful activities.
He noted that the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway is a federal highway used daily by thousands of commuters and urged the protesters not to obstruct traffic or inconvenience innocent road users.
Meanwhile, the management of the institution has postponed the examinations earlier scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday until Friday to allow students in the affected areas to recover from the traumatic incident.
The decision was contained in a statement issued by the Chairman of the Timetable, Examination and Academic Calendar Committee, Engr. Gideon Adekunle.
“Examinations will continue on Friday, July 31, as scheduled on the timetable. A new timetable for the postponed examinations will be communicated in due course,” the statement said.
