Ekiti University shut down over student protest

The Ekiti State University has been shut down indefinitely following a violent protest by students of the institution on Friday.

The protest was triggered by the death of a student, Abiola Teslim Yusuf, who was hit by a vehicle on Wednesday.

Some buildings,including the Information and Communication Technology Centre, were vandalised while about five cars and a motorcycle belonging to the institution and staff were torched.

The Agriculture Farm of the university, comprising about 3,500 birds, 10 goats, 75 sheep and rams, 25 rabbits, 30 pigs was not spared as the students went on a looting spree.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oladipo Patrick Aina, said the University management would investigate the extent of damage done to the buildings and ensure necessary disciplinary measures would be accorded to students and staff involved.

Aina claimed the rampage could have been curtailed had the law enforcement agents arrived on time.

He said he requested for police back up on Friday when he got a security report about students mobilising for a protest, but lamented that the law enforcement agents did not show up until about 7pm, hours after the damage had already been done.

Aina said he personally ensured that Yusuf, the accident victim, was taken to Ikere-Ekiti Specialist’ Hospital for medical attention.

He also claimed that Yusuf had been confirmed to be a member of a dreaded cult group, Eiye Confraternity.

Ekiti Police spokesman, Victor Babayemi, claimed the police responded as soon as the report was communicated to them and that seven of the students involved in the looting and vandalism were apprehended.

He said the criminals were being held at the Command's headquarters in Ado Ekiti.

Babayemi said all hands are on deck to apprehend the driver, who he said, absconded after knocking down the Yusuf along Osekita Hostel, located in the University vicinity.