VAM News update

Armed robbers on Tuesday attacked a hostel managed by the management of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

It was gathered that the armed robbers broke into the hostel located at Abapawa area of the town, stealing valuables and raping four students residing in the hostel.

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that the incident led to an uproar among the students caught the attention of the state government.

He said, “The students’ protest against the unfortunate event caught the attention of the state government.

“This led to the intervention of the state Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who paid a visit to the rape victims, at the state hospital where they are receiving treatment.”

Reacting to the incident, the school’s Registrar, Dapo Oke, announced the suspension of the ongoing second-semester examinations.

Oke said, “Sequel to the recent unfortunate development in the university host community which involved some of our students, the management of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, hereby suspends the ongoing second-semester examinations.

“Members of the university community are strongly advised to remain vigilant regarding security matters and promptly report any suspected security concerns to the appropriate authorities.”

It was also gathered that the state government sent a delegation led by the deputy governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who assured the students of adequate security.

In a post shared on Facebook, Salako-Oyedele, noted that the Commissioner of Police and other stakeholders are on top of the situation to ensure the perpetrators are being brought to book.

She wrote, “Earlier today, after receiving the distressing news about armed robbery at some TASUED hostels and the brutal rape of four female students, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun CON directed me to immediately visit the victims and the campus on a fact-finding mission and to pledge the Government’s support in ensuring this doesn’t happen again.

“I have visited with the girls who are now being cared for and given the necessary support to heal from their trauma at the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at OSUTH.

“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is of utmost importance and I subsequently had a crucial meeting with the Management and Students of TASUED. I was joined by the Ogun State Commissioner for Police, Mr. Abiodun Alamutu and the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, where we discussed concrete steps to bolster security measures and foster a safe environment on campus and the adjacent host community.

“The Ogun State Government is committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and that our institutions remain safe spaces for learning and growth. The CP has promised that the police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book and justice prevails.”.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, said she was not aware of the incident and could not make any comments on the matter.

“I am not abreast yet of the situation, please I don’t want to speak until I am aware of all relevant facts. Please bear with me,” Odutola stated.