Daud Olatunji
In a nightmarish ordeal that has sent shockwaves through the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, four female students became victims of a horrifying sexual assault, reportedly perpetrated by individuals suspected to be armed robbers.
The grim incident unfolded on a chilling Monday night, plunging the tranquil university community into chaos and fear.
The gravity of the situation prompted a swift response from the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr (Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who took to her Instagram handle, @noimot.oyedele, to confirm the harrowing incident.
She did not stop at mere confirmation; instead, she embarked on a mission to personally assess the situation.
With unwavering determination, Salako-Oyedele visited the school management, the courageous students who endured this appalling act, and the victims themselves, who are currently undergoing treatment at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) in Sagamu.
In a statement released by the state government on Wednesday, Salako-Oyedele, assured the victims of the government’s support for their health care and rehabilitation.
She disclosed that the victims have been subsequently transferred to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu under the state government’s instructions.
Accoridng to her, the state government was promptly informed of the incident by the Local Government Chairman, who acted on the Governor’s instructions.
She said security forces, led by the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force, were dispatched to the scene.
She added that the Commissioner of Police personally visited the location, working diligently to apprehend the culprits and ensure they face the full extent of the law.
In a meeting with university officials, student representatives, the Commissioner for Education Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, and Commissioner of Police, Mr Abiodun Alamutu, Deputy Governor Salako-Oyedele stressed the need to prevent such heinous crimes from recurring.
She emphasized her commitment to supporting the victims and bringing the criminals to justice.
The Deputy Governor called for collaboration between the school, the community, the police, and the students to establish stakeholder engagements and security measures for the protection of off-campus students’ lives and properties.
Arigbabu, assured the aggrieved students that the government would spare no effort to bring the culprits to justice.
Hon. Ladejobi Adebayo, Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring justice for the victims.
State Commissioner of Police, Mr Abiodun Alamutu, expressed his sympathy for the victims and highlighted the need for better coordination among security personnel in student residential areas. He vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Prof. Adekunle Adeogun, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, conveyed the school management’s distress over the incident and their efforts to support the victims while appealing for additional support from the state government.
The Student Union President of TASUED, Comrade Akinjetan Hamed, called for enhanced security measures within the school and urged private hostel owners to improve security in their establishments to prevent future incidents.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the Deputy Governor conveyed the stance of the Ogun State Government.
She revealed, “earlier today, after receiving the distressing news about armed robbery at some TASUED students’ 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 unwavering support in ensuring that such a grievous atrocity does not cast its dark shadow over our beloved institution again.”
Salako-Oyedele’s dedication to justice and the well-being of the survivors was evident as she continued, “I have visited the girls who are now being cared for and given 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.”
In a united front against this abhorrent crime, the Deputy Governor was joined by the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abiodun Alamutu, and the Hon. Commissioner for Education, Professor Abayomi Arigbagbu.
Together, they forged a path forward, discussing concrete steps to enhance security measures and create a secure environment on the campus and within the adjacent host community.
The Ogun State Government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens, especially its students, was unwavering.
Salako-Oyedele articulated, “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 Commissioner of Police has vowed that the Police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice, and justice shall prevail.
” I call on everyone to stand united against such a heinous act and work collectively to uphold the dignity and safety of all citizens.”
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