Academic activities grounded as suspected gunmen invade University campus, rape students

The Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa in Ondo State, on Thursday, June 24, grounded academic activities for 2 weeks over the alleged rape of 4 of its female students by unknown gunmen.

According to sources, the institution was forced to shut down due to a peaceful protest carried out by hundreds of students, protesting the incessant attack of hoodlums in their hostel as well as the rape of 4 of the female students.

It was learnt that during the peaceful protest, the students blocked the Okitipupa-Igbokoda highway thereby disrupting free-flow of traffic. Some Motorists had to change routes, while others were on standstill.

Speaking to newsmen, the President, Student Union Government of the institution, Damilola Okunomo confirmed the rape incident. He said that on Wednesday, June 23, some hoodlums from the neighbouring village at gunpoint, robbed 4 female students who were on their way home from school of some item such as laptops, phones etc.

He said that the gunmen not satisfied with their loots proceeded to rape the female students, all 4 of them. He said the incident happened late in the night, adding that the gunmen threatened to kill the students if they raised their voices.

He also alleged that the institution’s management was not doing enough on the security of lives and properties of students, as he expressed concern over the security situation in the school.

He further said, “We are tired of this insecurity. Armed hoodlums usually come to our off-campus hostels, rob students at gunpoint, and also rape our female students.”

“The school management is not to doing enough as we are the ones securing ourselves by working as vigilantes most times, the situation is terrible.”

“We urge the school management to do its best in securing us and complete all the uncompleted hostel accommodations in our campus, as this will also guarantee our security.”

The University has been shut down pending when the security threats waters down.

Meanwhile, a student of the institution who confirmed the school closure said that the 2 weeks break notice was pasted in various faculties in the school.