The Federation of Ekiti State Students’ Union (FESSU) in Ekiti State on Wednesday took to the streets to protest the death of a corps member, Damilola Iyanda, who was reportedly killed by a policeman.

Iyanda, a native of Ogotun-Ekiti, Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area, was allegedly shot by a policeman deployed to settle a quarrel at an after-party of the convocation ceremony at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

 

The students chanted solidarity songs and marched to the House of Assembly Complex to demand justice for the deceased.

 

National President of FESSU Adekunle Benjamin described the incident as ‘sheer wickedness’. He said the peaceful protest was to urge the Speaker, Adeoye Aribasoye, ‘to look into the ugly incident and liaise with his Oyo State counterpart in ensuring justice is served’.

 

He said: “We demand a swift investigation into this unfortunate matter and the culprit should be brought to book. We demand compensation for the bereaved family.

 

“We equally demand comprehensive treatment of his brother who was injured and whose health is deteriorating. We demand an end to police brutality in Nigeria. Police should be our friend, save us and not kill us.

 

“All of us have come to the House of Assembly today to speak with the Speaker to liaise with his counterpart in Oyo State for swift justice for Iyanda Damilola and Iyanda Oluwafemi. They are from Ekiti State, precisely Ogotun-Ekiti.”

 

Aribasoye, who received the protesting students, condemned the murder and said the House would ensure justice is served.

 

“We express our condolences to the family and we condemn the killing. Whatever it is, I don’t believe any police officer will take the life of any human being, one who is not a criminal and defenseless citizen without provocation.

 

“At this point, we condemn it and the House will deliberate on it during plenary,” Aribasoye added.

 

Credit: thenationonlineng.net