The leadership of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union, UISU, has criticized Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde for failing to address security challenges and other issues confronting students in the school environment.
The UISU in an open letter titled “ADDRESS INSECURITY NOW, OUR STUDENTS ARE DYING” and signed by the Union’s President, Adewole Yinka and the General Secretary, Bamidele Taiwo called the attention of the State Governor to various security threats which include midnight robbery, cult activities, pick-pocketing and other nefarious activities that are affecting students living in the school environ, especially, Agbowo every day.
While the union makes bold to accuse the Governor for his nonchalant attitude and ineptitude in handling the issues, the student body also took a swipe at the State’s Chief Security Officer pummeling him for his cluelessness and incompetence. According to the union, students could no longer rely on him for protection due to his “outdated and inadequate techniques” for ensuring security in the state.
Furthering in their angry outburst, the UI Students’ Union leaderes also knock Governor Makinde for turning a blind eye to the traffic congestion along Agbowo/UI-Ojoo road. The body recalls the death of two students of the university that happened the same day along the route in 2021 due to the unchecked reckless driving by motorists.
“You can’t say that you and your convoy haven’t taken this route before and observed how things are whenever you pass through. You know there are no traffic lights or speed limits, and you can’t deny that students are more likely to be hit by cars or motorcycles when attempting to pass;
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“Accidents have occurred in the past. Some have resulted in student deaths, while others have caused lasting injuries. Last year, two students died on the same day! The absence of speed breakers to lower or even stop speeding motorists is one of the key causes we have been able to detect, since Mr. Governor decided to turn blind eyes to them!”
The Union however stated their demands expressly to Governor Makinde in the letter; which if unmet would result in mass protests until something “worthwhile” is done.
First of the demands is a public apology from the Oyo Governor to every victim of the ongoing attacks on students living in and around Agbowo axis. They also requested that an emergency meeting be called with all security agencies present to chart the way forward.
Second, the student body demands that speed breakers and traffic lights be installed in front of UI and other critical areas to contain road accidents along the Agbowo/UI-Ojoo route.
