Students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, on Friday staged a protest in response to the alleged killing of their colleagues by residents of the host community. The demonstration, marked by chants and placard-bearing students, follows a series of violent incidents that have sparked outrage across the institution.
The protest erupted just weeks after two students — Andrel Okah of the Department of History and International Studies and John Abba of the Department of Economics — were reportedly abducted and murdered. While some suspects were apprehended, it was reported that the alleged ringleader died in police custody under unclear circumstances.
The latest incident, according to protesting students, involves Joy Adeyemi, a student of the Department of Human Kinetics. She was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, an indigene of the community, who has since fled. The tragic discovery was made after neighbours noticed a foul odour emanating from her room, prompting them to alert other students. Reports indicate that Joy, who operated a POS business, was stabbed to death and her business funds stolen.
One of the protesters, identified simply as Kunle, expressed deep frustration over the repeated loss of student lives. “We are still mourning our colleagues killed recently. Now Joy has been murdered in cold blood. The state government must intervene before this escalates further. Enough is enough,” he said.
Placards seen during the protest carried inscriptions such as “Say No to Killing of Students in Akungba Akoko,” “Stop Killing AAUA Students,” and “State Government Must Act Now.”
In a related development, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council, Ondo Axis, issued a strongly worded statement condemning the killings and demanding immediate government action.
Signed by the Chairman, Adekanye Adeboye, and Secretary, Oladele Emmanuel, the statement reads in part:
“The National Association of Nigerian Students, Ondo Axis, is deeply saddened by the recent wave of student killings at AAUA. While still reeling from the brutal murder of two students, we are now confronted with the tragic death of yet another — a female student reportedly murdered in her residence. These recurring attacks reveal glaring security failures that must be addressed immediately.”
NANS called on the Ondo State Government and relevant security agencies to act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of students within the university and the broader community.
The incident has renewed calls for enhanced campus security and stronger collaboration between the university, host community, and law enforcement agencies.
