A final year student of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, Ahmed Ayinla Fabiyi has been killed by suspected cultists.
Fabiyi, a student of History and Diplomatic Studies Department, who was seated for his final paper, was dragged out of the examination hall by the cult group.
The tragic event which occurred around 3 pm on Wednesday, just as the exam was about to commence, was a renewed cult clash between the Eiye and Aiye cult group.
According to a source, the gang disguised themselves as friends who came to surprise Fabiyi for his birthday, and “carried” him out of the hall under the pretence.
The men reportedly dragged him to a corner where they shot at him and hit him with a brick on the head.
The assailants waited to ensure that he was dead before leaving the scene.
The source said, “They (History and Diplomatic Studies students) were having their final paper today when some boys suspected to be cultists stormed the examination venue and dragged him out.
“They kicked him, shot at him, and hit him with a brick on the head.
“It was when they realised he was lifeless that they left before the school security men came to pick him up to the school clinic, where he was confirmed dead.”
Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, the school’s Students Union President, Bethel Olorunfunmi, said efforts to save the life of the victim by medical personnel proved abortive.
Olorunfunmi said, “It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of a tragic incident that occurred today. A fellow student was attacked on the school premises and, despite the best efforts of medical staff at the general hospital, he sadly passed away. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the student during this difficult time.
“In the light of this event, we are implementing strict security measures to ensure the safety of all students. Effective immediately, a mandatory curfew is in place, requiring all students to remain indoors starting at 10pm tonight (Wednesday).
“Please understand that this measure is being taken with your safety as our utmost priority. We are working closely with university authorities and law enforcement agencies, who are conducting a thorough investigation and enhancing security across the campus.”
Also, the National Clerk of the National Association of Nigeria Students, Oladimeji Uthman, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with one of our correspondents on Wednesday.
He added that the NANS leadership is on top of the matter.
He said, “So saddening and disheartening. A final-year student writing his final paper. As leaders, we are on top of the situation.”
Meanwhile, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Ayotunde Odubela, said she was not aware of the incident when contacted by our correspondent on Wednesday.
“I am not aware of the incident,” Odubela said.
But the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the killing to one of our correspondents.
She disclosed that the command had begun an investigation and launched raids on suspected cultists hideouts in the area.
She added that all efforts were being made to apprehend every member of the group responsible for the incident.
“Our officers immediately moved to the scene of the incident. All possible hideouts of the suspects were combed and raided by our detectives, including those from other divisions in the area.
“Every effort is being made to ensure that all the perpetrators are apprehended,” Odutola stated.
