The Kwara State Police Command has started looking into the death of 21-year-old Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, who was allegedly killed on Wednesday during a protest by students against a fuel hike.
Qoyum, an Electrical/Electronics Engineering National Diploma 2 student at the institution, was purportedly killed by the police in the Fate area of Ilorin under suspicious circumstances.
The state police command in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, on Sunday, said that it sympathised with the family of the late Qoyum.
“The Kwara State Police Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola during this painful and trying time. We sincerely condone the family, friends, and all others impacted by this regrettable September 4, 2024, incident. It should never be the family’s responsibility to deal with the loss of a loved one on their own, particularly under such circumstances. Our thoughts are with you, and we pray for strength and comfort for everyone involved. The Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, assures the family that we stand with them in this difficult moment and are committed to seeking justice on behalf of the deceased.
“Following the incident, a thorough investigation has already commenced and actors and witnesses have been identified. The Kwara State Police Command is fully dedicated to uncovering the facts of the matter and ensuring that those responsible, are brought to justice in accordance with the law. We are working with care and diligence, as we understand the importance of providing clear answers to the family and community.
“Our commitment to transparency in this investigation is unwavering, and we pledge to conduct the process with the utmost integrity, leaving no room for doubt or compromise.”
He urged everyone to maintain composure and let the law follow its proper course, including the general public, the student body, and those who would be immediately affected.
“Although feelings may run high, we implore everyone to refrain from taking any actions that might impede the investigation or sabotage public order. The Kwara State Police Command is mindful of its duty to serve and protect and we promise to keep the public informed of any new developments as the investigation progresses. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this sensitive time”, the police said in the statement.
The students of the polytechnic, led by the Students’ Union President, Olalekan Isola, and the National President of the National Association of Kwara State Students, Abdulwahab Arewa, said in a statement on Thursday that they marched to the state police command’s headquarters in Ilorin to demand justice for the alleged killing of a fellow student, Abdulqoyyum, a National Diploma student of Electrical/Electronics Engineering of the institution.
The student union issued a statement expressing a strong sense of accountability for the reported regrettable event that involved the student and police officers.
“We had a lengthy meeting with the appropriate police authorities earlier today (Thursday), which lasted more than three hours. Our discussions were productive and we are working closely with the institution’s management and other key stakeholders to investigate the matter thoroughly”, the statement said.
In his reaction, the Rector of the institution, Abdul-Jimoh Muhammed, expressed sadness over the demise of the student.
“The circumstances around the young and promising student’s death are still dicey as there were many unconfirmed stories and narratives around it.
He issued a statement saying, “The school management is committed to ensuring that justice is served as appropriate based on the final reports of the matter.”
The rector commended the students for remaining composed and refraining from enforcing the law on their own, emphasizing that the polytechnic community remained unwavering in its demand for accountability and justice for Abdulqoyyum as the investigation progressed.
Published by Ejoh Caleb
