The National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) has called on the commissioner of police in the state command, Wilfred Afolabi, to launch an investigation into an attack on one of its former leaders, Mary Ogunga, by suspected cultists.
Ms Ogunga had in a social media post on Sunday alleged that she was attacked, assaulted, and intimidated by some suspected internet fraudsters, “Yahoo boys” who later identified themselves as members of an outlawed, dreaded cult group.
While the assault was going on, the former national president of NAOSS claimed she ran for help to a nearby police officer attached to the commissioner of police surveillance team, but was disappointed by their failure to intervene.
“Shockingly, the officer, identified as Supol Banty, failed to take the matter to the police station. Instead, he forced the injured bike rider to pay for the vehicle’s side mirror, completely ignoring our injuries and damages.
“It was evident that these attackers had bribed the officer, who then compromised his duty by siding with them. As a law-abiding citizen and leader of the Ondo student body, I was deeply humiliated and demoralised,” Ms Ogunga said.
She noted that the assault and experience have left her questioning the impartiality of the security agent while demanding justice over the attack.
But in a petition to the Ondo police boss on Monday, the students’ body condemned the assault on Ms Ogunga by the suspect cultists, describing the action as a direct attack on the student leadership and collective freedom of expression.
It read, “The Nigerian Police Force, Ondo Command, must immediately investigate this incident and bring all involved to justice while reassuring the public and the student community of its commitment to protection and justice.
“The police must ensure that the assailants are identified and prosecuted accordingly, and also sanction any officer found culpable in this shameful act of roadside extortion and compromise.
“Work proactively with student bodies to strengthen campus and community security. Leadership is not a crime. Silence is not an option. Students across Ondo State and Nigeria are watching. We will not accept fear as a new normal.
When contacted, the spokesman for the State Police Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, told our correspondent that the command received a copy of the petition and had begun an investigation into the case.
“Yes. I’m aware of the petition, and the Ondo state police command has launched an investigation into the matter,” he said.
Leadership is not a crime. Silence is not safety. Share this to demand justice for Mary and every student at risk.
Insight From The Nation by Tosin Tope, Akure
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