...Harps on On-campus Hostel Accommodation
By Our Reporter
The Alumni Association of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA) has condemned the spate of killings of students of the University; describing the dastardly act as unfortunate and unacceptable.
In a media statement issued by the Global Publicity Secretary of the Association, O'Seun Ogunsakin, the Alumni body condemned in strong terms the recent killings of three undergraduates in quick succession by suspects who are indigenes of the host community.
The alumni body demanded immediate attention and action from appropriate authorities, including the Ondo State Government, all security agencies, particularly the police and Department of State Security (DSS), and the traditional ruler of Akungba Akoko, to curb the act which is now becoming a dangerous habit.
"We are appalled and deeply saddened by the recent killing of three promising students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba; of which the latest victim is a hardworking final year student and POS operator. The brutal killing of these students by indigenes of Akungba-Akoko underlines a disturbing pattern of extortion and hostility being experienced by AAUA students in the host community.
"These dangerous predilections which have culminated in the cold-blooded murder of AAUA students demand immediate and concrete attention and action from all the critical stakeholders, especially the government of Ondo State, the Police and the host community.
"The Alumni Association and parents of AAUA students, as well as the larger society, have a right to expect relative safety and security for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances," he said.
Ogunsakin said it was disheartening that the once peaceful host community is now becoming a den of criminals and unsafe for students; warning that if the host community fails to caution its members against behaviours that are hostile and criminal, Akungba may return to the pre-university days.
"We urge the host community to reflect on the consequences of their actions and work towards building a more harmonious relationship with members of the university community living in their midst", the Alumni Publicity Officer said.
The Alumni's spokesman also called on the Police to ensure that perpetrators of the heinous act and their accomplices are brought to book to serve as a warning to others.
He said the Alumni Association would not tolerate any attempt to sweep the matter under the carpet as it is presently engaging with appropriate authorities on this vexed matter.
The AAUA Alumni Association called on the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to be more committed to the University as its Visitor by prioritising on-campus hostel facilities.
It noted that the construction of new hostels and completion of abandoned hostel projects on the university campus should become an actionable priority.
Ogunsakin said provision of on-campus hostel accommodation is a panacea to the extortion, inhumane treatment and needless killings of students of the University in off-campus hostel facilities.
He stressed that the Alumni Association under the leadership of its President, Dr Olumide Olugbemi-Gabriel, is redoubling its efforts to ensure the completion of the ongoing multi-million naira Alumni Hostel Project.
The Publicity Secretary called on all alumni and well-spirited individuals to donate to the hostel project to make the university a safer community for students.
Ogunsakin, on behalf of the Association, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for peace and healing for all those affected by the tragedy.
