The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 21-year-old Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Qoyum Ishola, who was allegedly killed during a fuel hike protest by the students last week Wednesday, saying that it has commenced a full-scale investigation into the death.
Qoyum, an ND2 student of Electrical/Electronics Engineering at the institution, was allegedly killed by the Police in a mysterious circumstance in the Fate area, Ilorin, on Wednesday.
The State Police Command, in a statement signed by Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, DSP Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) on Sunday, said that it sympathized with the family of the late Qoyum.
“The Kwara State Police Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola during this painful and trying time. We deeply sympathize with the family, friends, and all those affected by this unfortunate event which occurred on 4th September 2024.
“The loss of a loved one, especially in such circumstances, is a burden that no family should have to bear alone. Our thoughts are with you, and we pray for strength and comfort for everyone involved. On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya psc(+), he assures the family that we stand with them in this difficult moment and are committed to seeking justice on behalf of the deceased.
“Following the incident, a thorough investigation has already commenced, and actors and witnesses have been identified. The Kwara State Police Command is fully dedicated to uncovering the facts of the matter and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice in accordance with the law. We are working with care and diligence as we understand the importance of providing clear answers to the family and community.
“Our commitment to transparency in this investigation is unwavering, and we pledge to conduct the process with the utmost integrity, leaving no room for doubt or compromise.
“We appeal to the public, the student’s community, and those directly impacted to remain calm and allow the law to take its rightful course.
“While emotions may be high, we urge everyone to avoid actions that could hinder the investigation or disrupt public order. The Kwara State Police Command is mindful of its duty to serve and protect, and we promise to keep the public informed of any new developments as the investigation progresses. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this sensitive time.”
The students of the polytechnic, led by the institution’s Students’ Union President, Olalekan Isola, and the National President of the National Association of Kwara State Students, Abdulwahab Arewa said in a statement on Thursday that they marched to the state police command’s headquarters in Ilorin to demand justice for the alleged killing of fellow student, Abdulqoyyum, a National Diploma (ND 2) student of Electrical/Electronics Engineering of the institution.
A statement by the Student union expressed a deep sense of responsibility over the alleged unfortunate incident involving the student and members of the police force.
“Earlier today (Thursday), we held an extensive meeting with relevant police authorities lasting over three hours. Our discussions were productive, and we are working closely with the institution’s management and other key stakeholders to investigate the matter thoroughly.
“According to sources, Abdulqoyyum was allegedly chased at the Fate area of Ilorin by an alleged officer of the Kwara state police command to an enclosed area. What happened there is still unclear, but when Abdulqoyyum was found, he had suffered a deep wound on one of his arms.
“He was thereafter taken to the Kwara State General Hospital, where he gave up the ghost on Thursday morning and was buried the same morning according to Islamic religious burial rites.
“Abdulqoyyum succumbed to his injuries at the state general hospital, Ilorin, after losing a significant amount of blood”, the statement said.
In his reaction, the institution’s Rector, Engr Abdul-Jimoh Muhammed, expressed sadness over the demise of the late ND 2 Electronic Engineering student.
A statement by the institution’s spokesperson, Mrs Halimat Garba, in Ilorin on Friday disclosed that the tragic incident allegedly occurred on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, around the GRA in the Ilorin metropolis.
“The circumstances around the young and promising student’s death are still dicey as there were many unconfirmed stories and narratives around it.
“The school management is committed to ensuring that justice is served as appropriate based on the final reports of the matter,” the statement added.
The Rector appreciated the students for being calm and not taking the laws into their own hands, stressing that as Qoyum’s investigation unfolds, the polytechnic community remains resolute in its demand for accountability and justice for Abdulqoyyum.
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