The Alumni Association of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, has condemned the rising spate of killings targeting students of the institution, describing the trend as both “unfortunate and unacceptable.”
In a statement issued on Friday by its Publicity Secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin, the association decried the recent killing of three undergraduates in quick succession, allegedly carried out by some indigenes of the host community.
“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 group stated.
The alumni association warned that the pattern of attacks reflected growing danger for students in Akungba, painting a picture of extortion and aggression.
“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,” the statement continued.
“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 group called on the Ondo State Government, security agencies—including the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS)—as well as the traditional ruler of Akungba to take urgent steps to curb further violence.
It added that “the parents, as well as the larger society had a right to expect relative safety and security for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
Describing the security breakdown as “disheartening,” the alumni lamented that “the once peaceful community was becoming a den of criminals and unsafe for students,” warning that “if the town fails to caution its members against criminal behaviors, Akungba might return to the pre-university days.”
The group also used the opportunity to call on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to increase his support for the university through renewed attention to student accommodation.
It urged the state government to prioritize on-campus hostel facilities, stating that “the construction of new hostels and completion of abandoned hostel projects on the university campus should become an actionable priority.”
Advertisement