The Management of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has issued a heartfelt plea to students, urging them to remain vigilant and prioritise their safety in the wake of the tragic murder of Miss Christianah Idowu, a student of the university. Christianah was killed in Lagos while returning from her internship, a loss that has deeply saddened the university community.
Addressing FUNAAB Bulletin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, expressed condolences to Christianah’s family and the entire student body.
In a statement sent to PLATFORM TIMES by acting Head, Public Relations unit, Olasunkanmi Olajide, the deputy VC described the incident as a painful reminder of the importance of vigilance, urging students to be cautious both on and off-campus.
He revealed that the university had introduced several safety initiatives to educate students on personal safety, with programmes designed to offer guidance on staying safe in various environments, especially during internships and holidays.
Prof. Akinyemi commended the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, for his unwavering support to the bereaved family, further reminding students that they represent FUNAAB wherever they go.
“Your safety is our priority, and we are leveraging technology and social media to keep you informed,” he stated, emphasising the need for students to make responsible choices in their associations, particularly within religious circles.
Christianah’s death, he noted, involved individuals from her religious group, further highlighting the importance of discernment in relationships.
He also cautioned against the pursuit of quick wealth, warning that it could lead to dangerous and life-threatening situations.
“Money will come in due time, but don’t be lured into chasing it through illegal or risky means,” Prof. Akinyemi advised.
The Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Festus Adeosun, described the incident as a shock, lauding the university’s management for its support to the family.
He advised students to always inform trusted individuals of their whereabouts, particularly when travelling, and assured them that the university, in collaboration with the Student Union Government (SUG), has been working with the police to ensure that justice is served.
Providing further context to the tragedy, Assistant Chief Environmental Officer, Mr. Peter Bolarinwa, revealed that the suspect and the deceased had grown up together and were close childhood friends.
“She believed she was in a safe space when she sought shelter from the rain in his home,” Bolarinwa added, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the tragedy.
FUNAAB’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) urged students to always inform their family or close friends of their movements, underscoring the importance of personal security.
He advised students to remain alert, be cautious of their environment, and avoid potentially risky situations like attending night parties or clubs where they could be vulnerable to harm.
In his remarks, SUG President, Comrade Ibraheem Adeyemi, called for increased vigilance among students, assuring them that the university was committed to ensuring justice for Christianah and had been working with law enforcement to that end.
Miss Christianah Idowu was laid to rest on September 19, 2024, in Lagos after her body was exhumed from the suspect’s family compound at Ita-Oluwo along Sagamu/Ikorodu Road.
The university community continues to mourn her loss, offering prayers for the peaceful repose of her soul.
As the investigation into the incident continues, FUNAAB’s Vice-Chancellor has introduced several safety and awareness programmes aimed at preventing similar occurrences.
Students are urged to remain vigilant, cautious in their actions, and to share their whereabouts with trusted individuals.
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