Oyo State Government has finally broken its silence on the tragic incident that took place on the Ajayi Crowther University campus in the state.
This is coming four days after PUNCH Online reported that a 200-level student, Alex Timileyi died after being a subject of victim and torture – which has sparked public outrage.
The state, through the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, on Tuesday, however, called for calm and cooperation among all parties involved.
As tensions rise following the tragic death of a student, the government emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace while security agencies investigate the incident.
This call was made in the statement titled, “Ajayi Crowther Crisis: Oyo State Government Calls for Calm.”
The state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, noted that efforts are ongoing to resolve the issue at hand.
He urged the school to increase campus security.
“The Oyo State Government has called for calm among parties involved in the lingering crisis at Ajayi Crowther University Oyo, while security agencies investigate to ascertain the origin of the incident for appropriate action.
“The state government has been discussing with the management of the institution towards finding lasting solutions to the crisis,” it read.
Adelabu said Governor Seyi Makinde’s government is committed to academic excellence and a peaceful environment.
“Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration is committed to providing a peaceful environment for academic excellence; hence, there is a need for the students to abide by the rules and regulations laid down by authorities of various institutions.
“Students of the institution are asked to stay away from activities capable of jeopardising their future, but strive for excellence at all times,” it further read.
The commissioner urged the school to increase campus security and ensure those responsible are punished.
“Ajayi Crowther University management has been implored to beef up security within the campus to forestall the reoccurrence of such an incident and ensure culprits are brought to book,” he added
PUNCH Online reported that the 200-level engineering student of the university was beaten to death after an overnight eight-hour-long torture inside a hostel known as Shepherd Inn on the school premises.
This unfortunate act was perpetrated by his colleagues on Saturday over a claim that he stole a mobile phone.
Meanwhile PUNCH Online earlier reported that popular activist and businessman, Ayiri Emami dragged Makinde and the education minister, Tahir Mamman for their silence and inaction over the incident.
The school Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Adebayo, vowed to ensure justice is served on Monday, PUNCH Online quoted in a different report.
“As we speak, the boys are with the police in Oyo here and are being taken down to the state police headquarters, Iyaganku,” the Vice-Chancellor had said.