The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the death of an artisan, Mr. Ibrahim Olaiya, who was killed at Redeemer’s University for allegedly stealing building materials.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mrs Folashade Odoro told journalists on Tuesday night that the deceased was killed by a ‘mob’ after he was caught in the act.
She added that police were still conducting further investigation into the matter to get more facts.
“We are on the matter. Investigation is still on going. People should remain peaceful,” she said.
DAILY POST reports that Olaiya, a welder, working in the university, was allegedly shot dead for stealing, by some night guards, who were largely members of Odua Peoples Congress, OPC.
A member of the deceased’s family, who identified himself as Asunmo Afeez, in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday said the night guards who were led by one Wakili Adesina, popularly known as Doki shot Olaiya on Sunday.
He explained that Adesina and his team, working on the information that the deceased was planning to steal from the campus, laid ambush around the area.
According to him, the deceased was later rushed to nearby hospital in the school’s vehicle, but he gave up the ghost before getting to the hospital.
“We learnt that Olaiya took commercial bus to go and pack some iron rods on Sunday morning when the OPC members who were on surveillance for Redeemer’s University led by ‘Doki’ shot him.
“The OPC members are special security outfit of the institution, who have been working for them since 2014 when the land tussle between the University and the community started.
“Unfortunately, the deceased is a son of Imam Olaiya, the Amir of Zumuratu Mumini in Ede. He was said to have been rushed to Oke-Iresi Police Division in the Redeemer’s University’s security bus before the policemen asked that he should be taken to the hospital.
“He later gave up the ghost before getting to the hospital.”
Meanwhile, the Head, Directorate of Public Affairs, Redeemer’s University, Mr. Adetunji Adeleye, who confirmed the death of Olaiya, denied that he was shot on the campus.
Adeleye claimed that some unidentified hoodlums killed the deceased at Ededimeji area, an extension of the campus.
He also denied that the school’s security vehicle was used to convey the deceased to the hospital, even though our correspondent sighted a video of how Olaiya was placed on the school’s security vehicle.