The National Association of Polytechnic Students, South-West Zone, has condemned the alleged killing of an HND II student of ICT Polytechnic, Itori, Ogun State, Ahmed Sekinat, during a suspected armed robbery attack, calling for a thorough investigation and improved security for students.
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In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its General Secretary, Musbau Mubarak, the association described the incident as “unfortunate and barbaric.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its General Secretary, Musbau Mubarak, the association described the incident as “unfortunate and barbaric.”
PUNCH Online learnt that Sekinat, a Higher National Diploma II student in the Department of Marketing, allegedly died after sustaining a severe machete injury during the attack, while several other students reportedly suffered varying degrees of injuries.
According to NAPS, although it was awaiting the outcome of investigations by the relevant authorities, the incident highlighted the growing insecurity confronting students within and around tertiary institutions.
“The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Southwest Zone, strongly condemns this unfortunate and barbaric act. No student should have to live in fear or lose their life while pursuing education. The protection of students remains a fundamental responsibility of government, security agencies and institutional authorities,” the statement read.
The association also expressed concern over reports that security personnel allegedly responded late to the incident.
“We are equally disturbed by reports alleging a delayed response from security personnel despite the emergency nature of the incident. If these reports are confirmed, such delay would represent a grave failure in the duty to safeguard lives. Prompt emergency response is essential and must never be compromised,” it stated.
NAPS called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Ogun State Government, the management of ICT Polytechnic and other relevant authorities to conduct a “thorough, transparent and impartial investigation” into the incident.
It also demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible, improved security within and around tertiary institutions across Ogun State, strengthened emergency response systems, and closer collaboration between school management, security agencies, host communities and student leaders.
“The continuous rise in security threats facing students is unacceptable. Educational institutions must remain safe environments where students can pursue academic excellence without fear of violence or criminal attacks,” the association added.
NAPS extended its condolences to the family of the deceased, the management, staff and students of ICT Polytechnic, Itori, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare, safety and rights of polytechnic students, declaring, “Justice for Ahmed Sekinat. Student Lives Matter. Safe Campuses Are Non-Negotiable.”
Efforts to get the reaction of the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, were unsuccessful as calls to her telephone line were not answered and a text message sent to her had yet to receive a response as of the time of filing this report
