Authorities of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, have announced the suspension of the ongoing examinations in the institution following the brutal killing of one Olaoye Fabiyi, one of its students, while writing his examination.
Babatunde Odugbesan, Deputy Registrar, who announced the measure in a statement, on Thursday, stated the indefinite suspension of all campus examinations, while assuring of safety on campus, adding that full investigation had already commenced to get to the root of the attack.
Part of the statement, read: “The university management has directed the suspension of all examinations previously scheduled for Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5, 2024, until further notice. Meanwhile, students are assured of their safety and are advised to remain calm while investigations are ongoing to get to the root of the cultist attack on a student on campus. Please note and be guided accordingly. Management will issue further notices on the resumption of examinations.”
For Fabiyi, a final year student of History and Diplomatic Studies at the institution, death had come in a most brutal way on Wednesday, when some young invaded the venue of an ongoing examination, dragged him out, smashed his head with bricks, before firing fatal shots that ended his life.
It is not known the reason for the attack, which had all the trappings of cultism, but The PUNCH, quoting a student on campus, reported that the assailants waited to ensure that the victim was dead before leaving the scene, adding: “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.”
Bethel Olorunfunmi, President of the Students Union of the institution, in confirming the incident, and narrated how all efforts by medical personnel to save the life of the student were futile, was also quoted as saying: “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.”
The paper, also quoted Oladimeji Uthman, National Clerk of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), who said the body was on top of the situation as saying: “So saddening and disheartening. A final-year student writing his final paper. As leaders, we are on top of the situation.”
Though Ayotunde Odubela, spokeswoman of the institution claimed she was not aware of the incident, Omolola Odutola, spokesman of the Ogun State Police command, while confirming the incident, said operatives had launched investigation and conducting raids on suspected cultists hideouts in the area.
“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,” she was quoted as saying.