- A first-year Mass Communication student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in Ondo State was killed
- The student, Oluwaseun Adeleye, was reported to be a cultist
- Reactions from fellow student and an indigene suggest that it was not a random death
The killing of a Mass Communication student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) has sparked mixed reactions from the students, indigenes of the town and social media users.
The student, identified as Oluwaseun Adeleye, was killed on Sunday, February 16, by suspected opposition cult members on Opomulero Street in Owo, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The identities of the victim's killers remain unknown but eyewitnesses confirmed that they were cultists. The victim was described as outspoken but obstinate.
How Poly student Adeleye met his death
Reports sighted by TheRadar stated that a day before his death, the victim was at his hostel and called himself a member of “Alora”, a notorious cult group. He then demanded a transfer of ₦10,000 from a fellow student, a male, instructing him to send the money to his account.
However, there was nothing to suggest that the male student transferred the money to Adeleye or whether there was any other interaction between Adeleye and the other student until he was killed the following day.
In an interview with some students of the school who chose to stay anonymous, the victim was said to be the only child of his parents and was also the class representative of his department.
How Adeleye's death was received
Reacting to Adeleye’s death, a student, who wanted to remain unnamed for the safety of his life, reportedly said that Adeleye had it coming.
“It's a case of vices and consequences. Barely two months as a student of the school, we already associate him with 3 different cult groups. There's always a reward for every bad act.”
An indigene of the city and a worker at the institution said, “The boy is the only child of his parents. He is supposed to be in school minding his business. Unfortunately, we lost him in what could be said to be a cult clash.”
One of his course mates, in a WhatsApp voice message circulating, was deeply lamenting the loss of the money for the handouts contributed to him.
The Public Relations Officer of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Samuel Ojo, was said to have confirmed the incident with newsmen, saying that “it was tragic.”
Cultists to get 21-year prison sentence in Edo if nabbed
Earlier, TheRadar reported that Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo signed a new law on Tuesday, January 28, that mandated a 21-year prison sentence for individuals involved in cult activities, including their sponsors.
The law, which replaced an earlier version, aimed to impose stricter penalties on those participating in or supporting cult groups.
Umar Ikhllor, the Secretary to the State Government, emphasised that the revised legislation was introduced to strengthen the state’s efforts in combating cultism and ensuring public safety.