500L OAU student beaten to death by colleagues over phone theft
…Management condemns action
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
A 500 level student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Okoli Chizoputam, was killed by a mob who were also students of the institution over alleged phone theft.
The unfortunate incident according to information happened yesterday at Awo Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University.
It was learnt that the deceased who was the student of OAU, from the department of Civil Engineering was accused of phone theft by some students who descended on him and allegedly beaten him to death.
The President, Great Ife Students’ Union, Olayiwole Folahan Festus, had in a statement described the mob action as inhumane with a pledge to ensure justice is meted out accordingly.
He said, “I regret to announce the death of a Part 5 student assaulted in a mob action at Awo Hall yesterday. The student was declared dead on arrival at the Emergency Medicine Department of OAU Teaching Hospital this afternoon.
“Preliminary investigations show that the deceased was accused to have stolen a phone. While we await official report from the law enforcement agencies, I must state that this incidence is a very sad one to Great Ife Students’ Union because our Union is not a Union of barbarians but that of intellectuals.
“Arrests and investigations of individuals suspected to be connected with the assault of the deceased are being made for consequent legal actions. Our Union does not support mob actions and justice must be served in this incident. Pending investigations of this unfortunate development, the activities of Hall Executive Council of Awo Hall are suspended immediately.
“What has just happened is most inhumane. Justice must be served accordingly irrespective of who is involved. Mob actions are banned and not allowed on OAU campus!
“I reassure Great Ife students that the Union is working assiduously with the school authorities and the relevant law enforcement officers to make sure that justice is meted out appropriately!”
When contacted, the institution Public Relations Officer, Mr Biodun Olanreaaju confirmed the incident adding that the investigation was still ongoing.
Reacting to the ugly incident, the management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has condemned, in strong terms, the incident that led to the death of a part 5 student of the institution.
This was contained in a statement made available to Nigeria NewsDirect signed by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju.
According to the statement, “Saddened by this ugly development which he described as unfortunate, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE, has set up a committee to unravel the circumstances that led to this incident.
“The action of the mob, being a violation of the law of the country and of the University regulations, has been reported to the police who have commenced investigations.
“The University administration hereby commiserates with the parentsof the deceased, staff and students, and prays that God will grant us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“Meanwhile, students are strongly admonished to desist from taking laws into their hands and to report any criminal activities to the University authorities for immediate actions.”
