A somber atmosphere enveloped the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Tuesday as a security agent’s actions led to the fatal shooting of a student and injuries to two others.
According to eyewitness accounts, the security agent was summoned to intervene in a dispute between two individuals on campus, reportedly related to a disagreement over a phone. However, the situation escalated, and the agent discharged their weapon into the air, striking three students.
The deceased student, whose identity has not been officially released, was a 300-level undergraduate in the Department of Civil Engineering. The two injured students, also unidentified, are receiving treatment at a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
The incident sparked outrage and protests among the student body, who demanded justice for their fallen peer. In response, the students locked the school gates, bringing activities to a halt. They also marched to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, a local traditional leader, to express their grievances.
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the incident and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
ASP Adewale Osifeso, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, stated, “Investigation is ongoing. Updates will be provided accordingly.”
The university management has also issued a statement condemning the incident and promising to cooperate with the police investigation.
The statement read, “We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate event and will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served.”
The university community is left to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event, seeking answers and accountability. The incident has raised concerns about campus security and the use of force by security agents.