The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Kwara State Polytechnic has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Kwara State Police Command to address the killing of one of their colleagues, Abdulqoyyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, allegedly shot by a police officer in Ilorin last Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference in Ilorin, the SUG President, Saheed Olalekan Ishola, stated that if their demands are not met within the stipulated time, the students may have no option but to embark on a peaceful protest to seek justice for their slain colleague.
“We are under immense pressure from our members who demand justice, and we are prepared to heed their calls for a peaceful, persistent protest if nothing is done within 24 hours,” the SUG President said. He added that the students will not relent in their pursuit of justice, emphasizing that their voices must not only be heard but acted upon.
Among the students’ demands is the immediate public identification of the police officer involved in the fatal shooting of Abdulqoyyum, a National Diploma (ND) 2 student. The SUG further condemned the behavior of police officers who, less than a day after the incident, were reportedly seen extorting and harassing students along the same route where the killing occurred.
“It is deeply troubling that, despite the tragic event, police officers were back on the same road, targeting innocent students who were simply going about their daily activities. This demonstrates a blatant disregard for the lives of young people,” the SUG statement read.
The students revealed that despite holding a peaceful march to the state police headquarters three days ago, where they engaged in dialogue with senior police officials and representatives of the state government, no concrete actions have been taken. The police have yet to disclose the identity of the officer involved, despite assurances that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.
Both the polytechnic authorities and the SUG have demanded swift justice for Abdulqoyyum, with calls growing louder for the prosecution of those responsible for the killing.
In response, the state Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, has assured the public that justice will be served. He confirmed that suspects and witnesses have been identified, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the law
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