Lawmakers at the Ondo State House of Assembly have condemned the recent spate of killings involving students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), allegedly perpetrated by criminal elements within the university’s host community.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), at least three AAUA students were killed in separate incidents by suspected assailants, sparking outrage and widespread fear across the campus and community.
The matter was brought before the Assembly during plenary on Tuesday under matters of urgent public importance, where lawmakers unanimously called on the Akungba community to take a stand against criminality and protect the sanctity of their educational environment.
Lawmakers Express Concern
Hon. Tope Agbulu (Akoko South-West II – PDP), an indigene of the host community, lamented that the killings had plunged the town into mourning and created an atmosphere of fear and distrust among students and residents.
“Akungba-Akoko, once known as a peaceful, student-friendly town, is now under the threat of criminal elements. These recent events have not only disrupted peace but also risk provoking retaliatory violence and the possible withdrawal of students from the town,” Agbulu said.
He urged the state government and security agencies to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“These criminals do not represent the good people of Akungba. Their actions are a betrayal of our community’s values and have cast a dark shadow over our reputation,” he added.
Calls for Community Action and Spiritual Sanctions
Deputy Speaker Ololade Gbegudu (Okitipupa I – APC) suggested that the House Committee on Security visit the community for an on-the-ground assessment and engage in sensitisation efforts, particularly for parents and students.
Dr Chris Ogunlana (Irele – APC) went further, urging traditional rulers and community leaders to invoke spiritual sanctions and ancestral curses upon the perpetrators.
“It is time for the custodians of tradition to rise up and use cultural tools to deter these evil acts,” Ogunlana said.
Hon. Stephen Abitogun (Akure South II – APC) noted that the attacks had tarnished the image of the host community and called for urgent, community-wide action to prevent a recurrence.
Assembly Demands Proactive Security Measures
Speaker Olamide Oladiji, in his resolution on behalf of the House, directed the House Committee on Security to visit the university and host community to ascertain the level of threat and recommend actionable solutions.
He also urged the Ministry of Women Affairs to develop targeted sensitisation and orientation programmes to support the students’ safety and well-being.
Additionally, the Speaker called on the state government to establish a dedicated campus security task force in collaboration with the university and local stakeholders to enhance surveillance and rapid response capacity.
“We must ensure that Akungba remains a centre of learning, not a battlefield. Justice must be served, and measures must be put in place to prevent any further bloodshed,” Oladiji said.
Meanwhile, the Assembly has also referred the bill to establish the Ondo State Coastal Agency to the House Committee on Transport and Public Utility for further legislative work.
