The management of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) has provided a detailed account of the tragic incident involving the attempted abduction and subsequent death of a 400-level student on the main campus.
The University Management in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Odubela Ayotunde,confirmed the incident exclusively
The management said it received reports of an attack on a student at the back of the CENVOS building on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.
It stated that the assailants, believed to be members of a secret cult, targeted Fabiyi Hammed Ayinla, a final-year student of the History and Diplomatic Studies Department in the College of Humanities.
Odubela said the incident occurred shortly after an examination concluded, with 400-level students celebrating their traditional ‘logging out’ in front of the lecture theatre.
The statement read that Fabiyi, who was also celebrating his birthday, was carried by unidentified individuals. His colleagues initially believed these individuals were celebrating with him.
Odubela however said suspicions arose when Fabiyi resisted being carried away, but, the assailants began dragging him towards the CENVOS building.
She added that security personnel present at the scene immediately alerted the university’s security unit, saying that upon the arrival of security operatives, the assailants fled through the bush at the back of CENVOS.
According to her, Fabiyi, severely injured and bleeding profusely, was rescued alive. He was first moved to the University Health Centre, then referred to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, due to the severity of his head injuries.
“ Fabiyi was subsequently referred to Babcock University Teaching Hospital for further treatment. Unfortunately, he was confirmed dead while being transported to the hospital.”
While clarifying the report, Odubela said no gunshots were fired during the incident and that Fabiyi was not abducted from the examination hall, as he was not participating in the ongoing 300-level examination, HIS 329 (Modern European Political Thoughts).
Meanwhile,the university said it has reported the incident to the Police in the state leading to a few arrests.
The University Management in another statement signed by the deputy Registrar, Odugbesan Bamidele, condemned the attack in strong terms, expressing sympathy to Fabiyi’s family and guardians.
“We pray that the Lord Almighty consoles the family,” the statement read.
The management assured parents and students that there is no cause for alarm and urged them to remain calm as the situation is under control.
The University Management appreciated the swift action of the Nigerian Police, which has restored calm to the campus. Reiterating its stance, the management emphasized, “TASUED has zero tolerance for cultism, gangsterism, and other deviant acts.”