Ekiti students, under the aegis of the Federation of Ekiti State Students’ Union, on Tuesday demanded justice for a corps member of Ekiti origin allegedly killed by a trigger-happy policeman at Ogbomoso in Oyo State last week.

FESSU National President, Benjamin Adekunle, called for a proper investigation into the shooting and killing of the Corps member with a view to bringing the perpetrator to justice

Adekunle spoke at the Ekiti State House of Assembly complex in Ado Ekiti when he led placards carrying FESSU members, who sang solidarity songs, in a peaceful protest to the Assembly over the killing.

He said that the protest was to call the attention of the Ekiti Assembly Speaker, Adeoye Aribasoye so that he could liaise with his Oyo State counterpart to ensure justice for the deceased and the family.

Recall that students of LAUTECH had last week called for justice for the corps member allegedly killed by the police and condemned police brutality in strong terms.

The deceased, a corps member serving in Ibadan, had attended the convocation party of his brother, Oluwafemi Iyanda, in Ogbomoso when the incident whereby he was shot dead allegedly by the police happened.

The brother, Oluwafemi, a graduate of LAUTECH, had narrated, “We were at a lounge in the Under-G area for a convocation party around 2am when we heard that some people were fighting outside. When we discovered that the place was getting rowdy, we stepped out only to see policemen dispersing the crowd and shooting directly at the people.

“I sustained bullet wounds, but my brother, who came for my convocation, was shot in the head. He was confirmed dead at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital and was taken to the mortuary,” he had said.

The FESSU president told the Ekiti Assembly speaker, “We demand a swift investigation into this matter and the culprit should be brought to book. We demand for compensation for the family of the deceased.

“We also demand comprehensive medical treatment for his brother who sustained a gunshot injury. He is at home and his health is deteriorating.

“We demand an end to police brutality in Nigeria. Police should be our friend, save us and not kill us.

“We have come to the House of Assembly today to speak with the Speaker to liaise with his counterpart in Oyo State for swift justice for Iyanda Damilola and Iyanda Oluwafemi. They are from Ekiti State and raised and brought up in Ogotun Ekiti.”

Responding, the Speaker, Aribasoye, condemned the killing of the corps member, describing it as senseless

The Speaker said, “We express our condolences to the family and we condemn the killing and unprofessionalism of the police officer who murdered one of us, a youth from Ekiti State who is also serving his fatherland in cold blood.

“We condemn it and the House will be sitting. We will have a position during our plenary. Our resolutions will be passed and I know the House will condemn it. It is so unfortunate his life was cut short,” the speaker said.

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 1, public holiday in commemoration of the 2024 Workers’ Day Celebration.

This is contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Ndayako, issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

She stated that the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

Tunji-Ojo reiterated the need for excellence, efficiency and equity in all spheres of labour, re-affirming President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to foster a culture of innovation, productivity and inclusivity in the workplace.

Tunji-Ojo said, “In alignment with this year’s theme, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, I wish to state that the Federal Government remained steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens.

“Let me reaffirm the President’s commitment to provide a conducive environment for work, where every worker can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

While acknowledging the contribution of workers, he called for proactive measures to mitigate adverse effects of climate change through synergy in the implementation of sustainable practices.

He also acknowledged policies that promote well-being in the workplace and in building a nation guided by the principles of integrity, diligence and compassion.

The Minister also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the present administration’s Renewed “Hope Agenda” and wished workers a happy celebration.

A rowdy session marred the resumption of the Senate to plenary on Tuesday as senators fought over the seats.

The plenary had started around 11 am and immediately after the procession, the Senate President, GodsWill Akpabio, read out announcements, specifically the names of the lawmakers who had celebrated their birthdays while the Senate was on break.

It was while the announcement was ongoing that Senator Sahabi Yau (APC, Zamfara North) started to raise his voice at the Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) while he in return pointed his finger at Yau as if giving him a stern warning.

Immediately, Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) joined his colleague Yau in shouting at Bamidele and the chairman, of Senate Services, Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) who was in charge of the seating arrangements.

The fight was triggered by the seating arrangement in the newly renovated hallow chamber.

Some ranking Senators were said to have been angry at the seats allocated to them in the front row on the last right side of the aisle.

The Senate President eventually told them to approach the chair one after the other but Yau didn’t oblige him.