Security Agencies Investigate Murder and Robbery of Polytechnic Students in Ogun

The Students’ Union Government of DS Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic has announced that security agencies are looking into a recent robbery attack. This attack resulted in the death of a student and left others injured in the Eruku community. New security measures are also being put in place to protect students.

The union shared this information in a statement on Tuesday. This came after a significant security meeting held on August 3. The meeting included the school’s management, traditional rulers, alumni representatives, and heads of security agencies in the Itori area.

According to the statement signed by SUG President Okunuga Opeyemi, General Secretary Idris Amidat, and Public Relations Officer Caleb-Martins Hannah, the meeting aimed to tackle growing security concerns, students’ welfare, and economic issues affecting students both on and off campus.

The union stated that security agencies, along with the school management and community leaders, began investigations into the robbery incident. They said, "We wish to inform the student body that security agencies, in close collaboration with the school management and local leadership, are currently conducting deep and thorough investigations into the recent robbery incident."

They added, "Every effort is being deployed to track down perpetrators and prevent any future occurrence."

The SUG also mentioned that talks are happening with the 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Alamala Barracks. They are discussing setting up a military base and checkpoint in the area to improve security.

In addition, the union instructed all students to carry valid school identity cards when leaving their residences. This directive follows increased stop-and-search operations by security agencies in Itori and nearby areas.

They stated, "In light of intensified security measures and frequent stop-and-search operations by law enforcement across Itori and its environs, all bona fide students are hereby strictly directed to carry a valid means of identification (School ID Card) whenever leaving their residences."

The student body also expressed worries about the rising cost of accommodation. They said many landlords are increasing rents excessively, forcing some students to leave school even though they can pay their tuition fees.

The statement said, "The President highlighted with deep pain how extortionate rent hikes by off-campus landlords have forced several promising students to drop out, not because they could not pay their tuition, but because accommodation has become unaffordable."

The union criticized the ongoing insecurity affecting student communities, especially in Afowowa, Eruku, and the Complex Gasline area. They noted that the presence of police and SWAT personnel has not improved the situation.

They also complained about the unstable electricity supply in Eruku, stating that it is a challenge impacting students’ academic activities and security.

Regarding the N50,000 penalty reportedly given to students who do not lock hostel gates in Afowowa, the SUG said the traditional ruler explained that this rule aims to stop criminals from entering student housing.

The union urged students living in the area to follow this rule while discussions about it continue.

After the meeting, stakeholders agreed to enhance joint security patrols with traditional rulers, the school, and security agencies. The management also shared plans to build on-campus hostels to provide safer and more affordable accommodation for students.

The SUG mentioned that further talks would happen with landlords’ associations to address rent increases and protect students’ rights.

Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that students from the school blocked the Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway on July 28. This protest followed an armed robbery that targeted about 15 houses in the Eruku community, leading to the death of a final-year Higher National Diploma student and injuries to at least three others.

This incident made the school postpone examinations as authorities worked to improve security in the area.