The death of a student on campus is always a tragedy. It is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety. In Nigeria, there have been several high-profile cases of students who have died on campus. These deaths have raised concerns about the safety of students and the need for better security measures.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the top Nigerian students who have died on campus. We will discuss the circumstances of their deaths and the impact that their deaths have had on their families, friends, and the community.
5. VERA FROM UNIBEN
Vera, a 22-year-old woman, had a daily routine of studying at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Edo Province 10, Ikpoba Hill, Benin. However, on May 27th, a fateful Wednesday, her life took a horrifying turn as she suffered a brutal attack and sexual assault, and tragically lost her life within the church premises. The Edo State police command has successfully apprehended and publicly presented six individuals linked to the tragic murder of Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, a first-year student at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). After months of unwavering investigation, the state police successfully identified and captured the suspects involved in this appalling crime. The individuals currently in custody are Nelson Ogbebor, Akato Valentine, Mrs. Tina Samuel, Mrs. Mary Ade, Nosa Osabohien, and Collins Ulegbe.
A significant breakthrough in the case occurred when the police traced the victim’s phone to one of the suspects, Nosa Osabohien. Nosa, who claimed to be a phone repairer, admitted to purchasing Vera’s phone from the primary suspect, Collins Uyegbulen. His cooperation with the authorities ultimately led to the arrest of Collins, who confessed to his direct involvement in the murder. Tina Samuel, another individual taken into custody, was arrested for obstructing the police during the apprehension of her son, Lucky, who was also implicated in the crime. The state Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo, confirmed that a post-mortem examination conducted on the late Uwaila supported the evidence of sexual assault.
4. DEBORAH SAMUEL FROM SHEHU SHAGARI COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Deborah Samuel was a 200-level student at Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, Nigeria. She was stoned to death and burned on May 12, 2022, for allegedly blaspheming Prophet Muhammad. The incident happened after Deborah commented on a school WhatsApp group that was interpreted by some of her classmates as being blasphemous against Prophet Muhammad. The group was created for academic purposes, and Deborah was reportedly upset that people were using it to share religious content. Her comment sparked outrage among some of her classmates, who accused her of blasphemy. They dragged her out of her hostel room and beat her to death. Her body was then set on fire. The murder of Deborah Samuel has sparked outrage and protests across Nigeria. Many people have condemned the killing as an act of barbarity and a violation of her fundamental human rights.
The police have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder. They were held in police custody and charged in court. The government has condemned the killing and promised to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, many people are skeptical that the government will be able to deliver on its promise. The murder of Deborah Samuel is a sad reminder of the deep religious divisions in Nigeria. It is a challenge to the government and to all Nigerians to find a way to live together peacefully and respectfully, regardless of their religious beliefs.
3. AYOMIDE AKEREDOLU FROM FUTA
The tragic demise of a fifth-year student at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has been attributed to the subpar state of the university’s health center. Ayomide Akeredolu was rushed to the health clinic on Thursday evening by fellow students after he collapsed in his room. While the University’s administration claimed he was already lifeless upon arrival at the health center, students maintained that he was in a coma and could not be resuscitated due to the inadequate condition of the healthcare facility. In response to the reported dismal state of the school’s medical facilities and what they regarded as the preventable loss of Mr. Akeredolu, students organized a peaceful protest to voice their frustration.
2. OKOLI AHINZE FROM OAU
On April 11th, a tragic incident occurred involving Okoli Ahinze, a final-year civil engineering student at Obafemi Awolowo University. Ahinze, believed to be in his late 20s, was discovered deceased under distressing circumstances. Allegedly, he had been accused of stealing a fellow student’s phone, which led to a harrowing episode at the hostel where he resided. A group of students, seemingly engaged in a disciplinary practice known as “Scientific Maximum Shishi” (SMS), subjected Ahinze to physical violence. SMS, a practice seemingly exclusive to this university located in the historic city of Ile-Ife in Osun State, is employed as a form of punishment against students deemed to have committed offenses on campus. Typically, victims are subjected to beatings and a humiliating public parade throughout campus facilities and residential areas.
The tragic news of Ahinze’s demise sparked protests among the student body. John Akintunde, the general secretary of the Technology and Engineering Students’ Association, took action by addressing a letter to the university’s dean of student affairs, urging measures to eradicate SMS from the campus culture. The university administration then responded by convening a panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ahinze’s death. A total of 11 people have been arrested and charged, thereby taking care of the case.
1. MODUPE DEBORAH ATANDA FROM FUOYE
Modupe Deborah Atanda was a 200-level Nursing student at the University of FUOYE. She was declared missing on September 5, 2023, and her body was found in a shallow grave a few meters away from the school on September 6, 2023. The police have arrested 10 suspects in connection with her death. The suspects are all male and are between the ages of 18 and 25. They are being held at the Ekiti State Police Command headquarters in Ado-Ekiti.
The police are still investigating the motive for the killing, but they believe that it may be cult-related. Atanda was not a member of any cult, but she may have been mistaken for one. The death of Atanda has caused outrage in Ekiti State. The state government has ordered the closure of FUOYE until further notice. The police have also increased security on the campus. Atanda’s family is demanding justice for her death. They have called on the police to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
CONCLUSION
These are just a few of the many cases of university students murdered on Nigerian campuses in recent years. The perpetrators of these crimes are rarely brought to justice, and the families of the victims are often left without answers. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. The Nigerian government needs to do more to protect university students from violence. They need to increase security on campuses, and they need to bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice. The families of the victims also need to be supported. They have suffered a great loss, and they deserve justice.
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