The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has condemned, in strong terms, the incident that led to the death of a part 5 student of the institution.
The management in a release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, on Tuesday, in Ile-Ife stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the student died of a mob action on the allegation that he stole a phone.
Olanrewaju quoted the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, to have set up a committee to unravel the circumstances that led to the incident.
“Saddened by this ugly development which he described as unfortunate, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, has set up a committee to unravel the circumstances that led to this incident,” the statement read
“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 parents of the deceased, staff and students, and prays that God will grant us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
He admonished students to desist from taking laws into their hands and to report any criminal activities to the University authorities for immediate actions.
In a statement released earlier by the President of the Students Union Government, SUG, Folahan Festus, said the deceased was pronounced dead on arrival at the Emergency Department of the OAU teaching hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
“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!”.