COLLEAGUES of a Kwara State Polytechnic student, Abdulqoyum Bamidele, shot dead during a protest in Ilorin on Wednesday, have demanded justice over his death.
The Students Union Government (SUG) of the institution, in a statement signed by its officials, including the president, Saheed Olalekan Ishola, lamented the death of their colleague, just as they called for calm among students.
The SUG said the body is working with the police and the institution’s management to get to the root of the incident and ensure justice is served.
“As part of our commitment, the management is ready to provide all necessary support to the affected student and his family, and we will not rest until the root cause of this incident is fully uncovered and addressed.
“We strongly urge all students to remain calm and composed during this period.
“We understand the emotions surrounding this matter, but let’s approach it with the dignity and discipline that defines us as Kwarapolites. Rest assured, we will keep you updated on any development as they unfold,” the statement by the SUG read..
Also, in a statement made available to newsmen by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Halimat Garba, the rector, Dr. Abdul Jimoh Muhammed, expressed sadness over the demise of a National Diploma two (ND 2) Electrical Electronic Engineering Student, Abdulqoyum Bamidele.
The statement disclosed that the incident occurred on Wednesday, September 4, around the GRA in Ilorin.
According to the statement, “the circumstances around the young and promising student’s death is still dicy as there were many unconfirmed stories and narrative around it.
“However, the school management is committed to ensuring that justice is served as appropriate based on the final reports of the matter.
“Engr. Abdul appreciates the students for being calm and not taking laws into their hands, stressing that, as the investigation unfolds, the polytechnic community remains resolute in its demand for accountability and justice for Abdulqoyyum.
“Meanwhile, the Rector commiserates with the family of the deceased and the entire Polytechnic community on this sad development. He prays that God gives the family, friends, classmates and the entire Polytechnic the strength to bear the huge loss.”
Bamidele was killed in circumstances yet to be officially confirmed.
According to a report being shared on the incident, it was said some students of the institution were protesting and blocked Oyun road, and in a bid to end the protest, the police stormed the area, but the students began throwing stones at the law enforcement officers, which made a policeman fire a shot which allegedly killed the student.
It also could not be ascertained what the students were protesting for.