… Threatens Protest

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has issued a stern demand for justice following the tragic murder of Abdulqoyum Bamidele, a second-year Electrical and Electronics Engineering student.

The student was reportedly killed on September 4, 2024, by a police officer along the Panat-Shoprite road, a location notorious for alleged police extortion and harassment.

In a press briefing held today, the SUG President condemned the actions of the police, referring to the officers responsible as “vampires in police uniform.” He expressed outrage over the continued extortion and harassment of students along the route, even less than 24 hours after the tragic incident.

According to the Students’ Union, despite a peaceful protest and dialogue with the Kwara State Police Command and government officials, there has been no progress in identifying or apprehending the police officer responsible for Bamidele’s death. The Union has now issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Nigeria Police Force to meet their demands or face continued protests.

Demands from the Students’ Union

The SUG outlined several key demands:

1. Public Identification of the Police Officer Involved: The Union demands the immediate public identification and parade of the officer responsible for the killing, in line with standard police practices.

2. Open Investigation:The SUG insists on a transparent investigation, citing the availability of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage from the area as a critical piece of evidence. They warned against any attempts to delay or obscure the investigation.

3. End to Police Harassment and Extortion: The Union calls for an immediate end to police stop-and-search operations, particularly along the Polytechnic-Post Office routes, where students frequently face harassment.

4. Compensation for the Family: The SUG demands financial restitution for the family of the deceased student, holding the police accountable for the loss of a promising life.

5. Establishment of a Police-Student Relationship Committee: To address future conflicts between students and law enforcement, the Union is calling for the creation of a committee that includes student leaders, university administrators, and police representatives.

A Call for Peaceful Protest

The Students’ Union stressed their commitment to non-violent protest but expressed frustration with the lack of progress. While urging students to stay calm, they warned that if their demands are not met, they may be forced to heed the calls for continued, peaceful protests.The SUG President emphasized that the students will not rest until justice is served, declaring, “We will not be silenced. We will rise, and our voices will be heard.”

The murder of Abdulqoyum Bamidele has sparked outrage across the Polytechnic community, with students rallying behind the SUG in their quest for justice. The Union is urging the state government, led by Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to take action and protect the youth from further harm at the hands of law enforcement.

As tensions rise, the students maintain that they will continue to pursue justice through lawful means, but they are prepared to escalate their actions if necessary. The SUG’s ultimatum to the police stands, with the future of their protests depending on the authorities’ response in the coming days.