Security agencies have launched an investigation into the robbery attack that claimed the life of a student of DS Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, Ogun State, as authorities and community leaders roll out fresh security measures to safeguard students.
The institution’s Students’ Union Government (SUG) disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday following a high-level security meeting held on August 3 involving the school’s management, traditional rulers, alumni representatives and security agencies operating within the Itori area.
Signed by SUG President Okunuga Opeyemi, General Secretary Idris Amidat and Public Relations Officer Caleb-Martins Hannah, the statement said the meeting focused on growing insecurity, students’ welfare and the economic challenges confronting students.
According to the union, security agencies, in collaboration with the institution’s management and community leaders, have commenced an extensive investigation aimed at identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the deadly robbery attack.
The SUG assured students that efforts were underway to ensure those behind the crime are apprehended while additional measures are being introduced to prevent similar incidents.
As part of the security response, discussions are ongoing with the 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Alamala Barracks, on the possible establishment of a military base and checkpoint within the community to strengthen surveillance and improve public safety.
The union also directed students to carry valid school identity cards whenever they leave their residences, citing intensified stop-and-search operations by security personnel across Itori and neighbouring communities.
Beyond security concerns, the SUG decried the rising cost of off-campus accommodation, alleging that arbitrary rent increases by landlords have forced some students to abandon their education despite being able to pay their tuition fees.
The statement also highlighted persistent security concerns in Afowowa, Eruku and the Complex Gasline area, noting that residents continue to experience criminal activities despite the presence of police officers and SWAT operatives.
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In addition, the union expressed concern over the unstable electricity supply in Eruku, describing it as a challenge that affects students’ academic activities and contributes to insecurity in the area.
Addressing reports of a ₦50,000 penalty imposed on students who fail to lock hostel gates in Afowowa, the SUG said the community’s traditional ruler explained that the measure was introduced to prevent hoodlums from gaining access to student residences. Students living in the area were urged to comply with the directive while discussions over the policy continue.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders agreed to strengthen joint security patrols involving security agencies, traditional rulers and the institution. The school management also announced plans to construct on-campus hostels to provide students with safer and more affordable accommodation.
The SUG added that further engagements would be held with landlords’ associations to address rising rent and protect students from exploitation.
The latest measures come days after students of the institution staged a protest by blocking the Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway following a robbery attack on about 15 houses in the Eruku community, during which a final-year Higher National Diploma student was killed and at least three others injured. The incident also forced the institution to postpone its examinations as authorities reviewed security arrangements.