From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, alongside the students’ union, has called for justice following the death of a 21-year-old student, Abdulqoyyum Bamidele, allegedly killed in Ilorin, the state capital.
Students of the institution, led by the Union President, Olalekan Isola, and the National President of the National Association of Kwara State Students, Abdulwahab Habeebullahi Arewa, staged a peaceful protest at the state police command’s headquarters in Ilorin.
They demanded justice for Abdulqoyyum, a National Diploma (ND) 2 student of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, who was allegedly a victim of police brutality.
In a statement, the students’ union, expressed deep concern over the tragic incident. “We have engaged the police authorities in a constructive meeting, and we are collaborating with the polytechnic’s management and relevant stakeholders to ensure a thorough investigation into the matter,” the statement read.
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According to reports, Abdulqoyyum, was allegedly chased by a police officer in the Fate area of Ilorin to an enclosed space. What transpired afterward remains unclear, but he was found with a severe wound on his arm.
He was rushed to the Kwara State General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday morning. He was buried the same day according to Islamic rites.
The Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Engr. Abdul Jimoh Muhammed, expressed sadness over the loss of the promising student. A statement released by the institution’s spokesperson, Mrs. Halimat Garba, confirmed the incident which occurred on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, around the GRA area of Ilorin.
“The circumstances surrounding the student’s death remain unclear, as there are conflicting narratives.
“However, the polytechnic management is committed to ensuring that justice is served once the investigation is concluded,” the statement added.
The Rector commended the students for maintaining calm and refraining from taking laws into their hands, assuring them that the polytechnic community will continue to demand justice for Abdulqoyyum.
The spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, confirmed that investigations have begun and assured the public that the findings would be made known once completed.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command has expressed its deepest condolences to the family of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, following the tragic incident that led to his death.
The police, in a statement issued by the PPRO, DSP Toun, in Ilorin on Sunday, sympathised with the bereaved family, friends, and the wider community.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, assured the family of the deceased that the Command stands with them in this difficult time and is committed to ensuring that justice is served. “We understand that the loss of a loved one under such unfortunate circumstances is a heavy burden for any family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, and we pledge to seek justice for the deceased,” the statement read.
The Kwara State Police Command, confirmed that a comprehensive investigation into the incident is underway, with key witnesses already identified. The police promised to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth and bringing those responsible to justice.
While urging the public, particularly the student’s community, to remain calm, the police called for cooperation in allowing the law to take its course.
The Command emphasised the importance of maintaining public order and avoiding any actions that could disrupt the investigation.
The police assured the public that they are committed to transparency throughout the investigation and will provide updates as new developments arise.
