Tragedy has once again struck Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State, as another female undergraduate has allegedly been murdered by her boyfriend, just weeks after two other students of the institution were abducted and killed.
The victim, identified as Joy Adeyemi from the Department of Human Kinetics, was reportedly killed on Tuesday. Her death triggered widespread protests within the university community of Akungba-Akoko.
According to eyewitnesses, the suspect, said to be a local resident, allegedly murdered Joy and locked her body inside his room. Neighbours became suspicious after perceiving a foul odour emanating from the room and alerted fellow students. It was then that the gruesome discovery was made.
A source said, “Joy had not been seen since Tuesday. She was known to run a POS (Point of Sale) business, but her sudden disappearance worried many. The smell from the room led neighbours to discover her remains. The suspect reportedly fled with the money from her business.”
This incident comes shortly after two students — Andrel Okah from the Department of History and International Studies, and John Abba from the Department of Economics — were abducted and murdered. Police later arrested several suspects linked to that case, including John’s landlord, who reportedly died in police custody under unclear circumstances.
Students Protest Rising Insecurity
In response to Joy’s killing, students took to the streets in protest, singing solidarity songs and holding placards with messages like “Stop Killing AAUA Students,” “Say No to Student Killings in Akungba,” and “We Need Government Intervention.”
NANS Demands Immediate Action
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee, Ondo Axis, condemned the latest killing and called for urgent action by the state government and security agencies.
In a joint statement by its Chairman, Comrade Adekanye Adeboye, and Secretary, Oladele Emmanuel, the student body expressed deep concern over the recurring violence targeting AAUA students.
“The repeated killings are deeply disturbing. While we are still mourning the loss of two students, another promising life has just been taken in cold blood. We demand that the Ondo State Government and security agencies act decisively to stop these attacks,” the statement read.
NANS issued a 24-hour ultimatum for authorities to arrest those responsible and put in place stronger security measures to protect students. The group warned that failure to act would prompt a nationwide student protest in Ondo State.
Police Confirm Incident, Begin Investigation
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the incident. He stated that the main suspect had absconded but assured that efforts were underway to track him down. According to Olayinka, three individuals have been arrested and are currently being interrogated in connection with the crime.
