Lawmakers in the Ondo State House of Assembly have strongly condemned the recent killing of three students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, allegedly by criminal elements within the university’s host community.
The issue was raised during plenary on Tuesday under a matter of urgent public importance.
The legislators unanimously called on the Akungba-Akoko community to take decisive action against criminality in the area.
Raising the concern, Mr. Tope Agbulu (Akoko South-West 2 – PDP), expressed sorrow over the loss, stating that the killings had plunged the university and its host town into mourning.
“The town of Akungba-Akoko, known historically as a student-friendly community, has recently seen a disturbing shift in dynamics, as criminal and violent elements among a few indigenes are now targeting students. The security lapses in the area are becoming increasingly evident.
“If not promptly addressed, these incidents risk escalating into a larger crisis involving retaliatory actions, fear-induced migration of students, and a general breakdown of peace in the area,” Agbulu said.
While noting that the perpetrators did not represent the true values of the Akungba community, he urged the state government, police, and relevant security agencies to investigate the killings thoroughly and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. Agbulu also called on the Assembly to condemn the attacks and preserve Akungba as a centre of learning, not violence.
Deputy Speaker, Mr. Ololade Gbegudu (Okitipupa 1 – APC), supported the motion and proposed that the House Committee on Security visit the university and host community. He also stressed the importance of parental involvement in guiding students’ behaviour on and off-campus.
Dr. Chris Ogunlana (Irele – APC) urged traditional leaders in Akungba to caution their people and consider invoking spiritual measures against the culprits.
“It is incumbent upon the community to rise up and place curse on the perpetrators so that students could be saved,” Ogunlana stated.
In his contribution, Mr. Stephen Abitogun (Akure South 2 – APC) expressed concern that the killings had tarnished the reputation of the host community. He called for unity among residents and proactive sensitisation efforts to curb future violence.
Speaker of the House, Mr. Olamide Oladiji, directed the House Committee on Security to undertake a fact-finding visit to the university and its surroundings. He also urged the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs to initiate a sensitisation campaign aimed at protecting students.
Oladiji called on the state government to facilitate the creation of a dedicated campus security taskforce in collaboration with the university administration and community leaders. He further insisted that a full-scale investigation must be launched, with perpetrators brought to justice without delay.
Meanwhile, the Assembly also referred the bill seeking to establish the Ondo State Coastal Agency to the House Committee on Transport and Public Utility for further legislative work.
