Okoli Chizoputam, a final year student of the Department of Civil Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University(OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been killed by angry students over theft.
The university management and the students’ union confirmed the incident in separate statements on Tuesday night.
How it happened
The deceased was alleged to have stolen a phone from the Obafemi Awolowo Hall of Residence on campus, but instead of reporting him to the university administration, a group of students lynched him.
Students’ union said the deceased returned to the university for a repeat of courses he failed. The victim was Brought in Dead (BOD)” at the emergency room of the university’s teaching hospital.
University reacts
In OAU’s reaction to the development, its management confirmed that the victim died from a mob action on the allegation that he stole a phone.
In a statement signed by Abiodun Olarewaju, its Public Relations Officer, on Tuesday, the university condemned the incidence that led to the death of a part 5 student of the institution.
Mr Olarewaju noted that the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Adebayo Bamire, has set up a committee to reveal the circumstances that led to the incident.
“The mob’s action, being a violation of the law of the country and of the University regulations, has been reported to the police who have commenced investigations,” he said.
While sympathizing with the parents of the deceased, staff and students, the university management pleaded with the students to refrain from taking laws into their hands and to report any criminal activities to the University authorities for immediate action.
Students’ union reacts
The university’s students’ union through a statement signed by its President, Olayiwole Festus, also condemned the development.
Mr Festus said the arrest and investigations of individuals suspected to be connected with the assault of the deceased are being made for consequent legal actions.
Hall executive officers suspended
Meanwhile, Mr Festus said while investigations into the causes of the violent action continue, the activities of the executive council of the concerned hall of residence have been suspended immediately.
He explains that what has just happened is most inhumane. Justice must be served accordingly irrespective of who is involved.
Festus also said that Mob actions are banned and not allowed on the OAU campus!
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