By: Odeh Favour Adiya
The South-West Zone of the National Association of Polytechnic Students has strongly condemned the alleged killing of an HND II student of ICT Polytechnic, Itori, Ogun State, Ahmed Sekinat, during a suspected armed robbery attack on students.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its General Secretary, Musbau Mubarak, the association expressed deep shock over the incident, describing it as “unfortunate and barbaric.”
According to a report by The PUNCH, Sekinat, a Higher National Diploma II student in the Department of Marketing, lost her life after sustaining severe machete wounds during the violent attack, while several other students sustained varying degrees of injury.
According to NAPS, while awaiting the official outcome of investigations by relevant authorities, the tragedy underscores the rising wave of insecurity confronting students living in and around tertiary institutions.
“The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Southwest Zone, strongly condemns this unfortunate and barbaric act. No student should have to live in fear or lose their life while pursuing education. The protection of students remains a fundamental responsibility of government, security agencies and institutional authorities,” the statement read.
The student body also vented its anger over reports that security operatives failed to arrive on time to save the victims.
“We are equally disturbed by reports alleging a delayed response from security personnel despite the emergency nature of the incident. If these reports are confirmed, such delay would represent a grave failure in the duty to safeguard lives. Prompt emergency response is essential and must never be compromised,” NAPS stated.
The association called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Ogun State Government, and the management of ICT Polytechnic to immediately launch a “thorough, transparent and impartial investigation” into the attack to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.
NAPS further demanded immediate measures to bolster security around campuses, enhanced emergency response systems, and tighter collaboration between school authorities, security agencies, host communities, and student leaders.
“The continuous rise in security threats facing students is unacceptable. Educational institutions must remain safe environments where students can pursue academic excellence without fear of violence or criminal attacks,” the association added.
Extending its condolences to the family of the late student, as well as the management, staff, and students of ICT Polytechnic, Itori, NAPS wished the injured students a quick recovery.
Reaffirming its resolve to fight for the safety of polytechnic students, the group declared, “Justice for Ahmed Sekinat. Student Lives Matter. Safe Campuses Are Non-Negotiable.”
