It was learnt that the community had been at the mercy of the robbers lately.
A group of armed robbers have invaded the Ode-Remo community in Iperu North Local Government Area of Ogun State, a residential area for students of the Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade, and killed one of the students, identified simply as Segun.
It was learnt that the community had been at the mercy of the robbers lately.
During the recent invasion, the thieves shot sporadically and entered into students’ hostels to cart away their belongings, molest some female students, and also shot at others, among whom was Francis Dwumfour, leaving him in a critical condition.
The robbers were also accused of sexually molesting some of the female students during their operation.
The students who spoke with PUNCH separately revealed that robbery attacks had been a regular issue in the villages over time, but it peaked after the November 19 attack.
The recent one was on Saturday morning.
The armed men invaded the community early in the day and broke into some hostels within the community, and shot at some students which led to the alleged death of Segun, while others sustained bullet wounds.
A video of the scene of the robbery incident showed the lifeless body of a student with a look-alike gunshot wound around his neck and another student with wounds in his arms. It was also gathered that burglar-proof windows were damaged and doors broken by the suspected robbers to gain entrance into the hostels
A student of the polytechnic who is also the National Association of Nigeria Students Director of Polytechnic Affairs of the South-West Zone, Olusola Ezekiel, confirmed the attack to our correspondent, stressing that there was an urgent need for provision of hostel facilities to avert future attacks.
He said, “It is happening again in Saapade. There was an attack early this morning (Saturday) by suspected robbers. I learnt a student was killed.
“We are taking this case to the AIG. We won’t stop again and we won’t wait for the Ogun State Police Command because they have failed us. We need Local securities and at least eight patrol vehicles within the Polytechnic communities. Tetfund should be asked to build hostel of at least 2000 rooms within Saapade.”
The Students Union Government President, Olatunji Alexander, noted that he received the report of the attack but he was yet to get to the scene.
“I learnt there was an attack this morning and a student was killed. I was on official assignment to Abuja when I received the call,” Alexander said.
When contacted, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, promised to get back but a police source in the community confirmed the attack.
The Polytechnic’s Public Relations Officer, Folorunsho Adebayo, declined comment on the matter.