Less than three weeks after the brutal murder of two undergraduates of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State, the university community has once again been thrown into mourning following the death of Joy Adeyemi, a student of the Department of Human Kinetics, allegedly killed by her boyfriend.
Joy, who was declared missing earlier in the week, was discovered dead and locked inside her boyfriend’s room, following a foul odour that alerted neighbors to the apartment. She was reportedly stabbed to death on Tuesday, and the suspect—a resident of the university town—has since fled and remains at large.
“It was neighbours that raised the alarm when they noticed the terrible smell coming from the room,” said a local resident. “She operated a POS business in the area, and after the murder, the suspect allegedly fled with her business money.”
The shocking incident has sparked outrage and protests from AAUA students, who took to the streets carrying placards and chanting “Stop killing us!” The students demanded urgent intervention from the Ondo State Government and security agencies, citing a growing pattern of targeted violence against students.
NANS Condemns Killings, Issues Ultimatum
In response to the incident, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee, condemned the recurring attacks and issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government and security agencies to take decisive action.
In a joint statement, Comrade Adekanye Adeboye (Chairman) and Oladele Emmanuel (Secretary) described the attacks as “appalling” and “a gross security failure.”
“The National Association of Nigerian Students is appalled and deeply saddened by the recent wave of killings targeting students of Adekunle Ajasin University,” the statement read.
“In light of these tragic events, we demand that the perpetrators be immediately apprehended, and that robust security measures be put in place to safeguard students. If our demands are not met within 24 hours, we will mobilize all student structures nationwide for a massive peaceful protest in Ondo State.”
Police Confirm Arrests, Investigation Ongoing
Confirming the incident, Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, said three suspects have been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend others connected to the crime.
“We have arrested three suspects and are actively working to track down others still at large,” Ayanlade stated.
AAUA Urges Calm, Promises Justice
In his reaction, Mr. Victor Akinpelumi, Head of Media and Protocol at AAUA, appealed for calm among students and assured that the university is working closely with security agencies.
“We urge our students not to take the law into their own hands. Let the police conduct a thorough investigation. We are confident that justice will be served,” he said.
The killing of Joy Adeyemi adds to growing concerns about insecurity in and around the university community, with students and residents calling for urgent and long-term solutions to end the violence.
