A wave of shock and sadness has swept through Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, following the killing of a 25-year-old student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo. The student, identified as Ayodele Peter, was allegedly murdered by suspected cultists in what police believe was a violent clash linked to rivalry among secret cult groups operating within the institution.
The tragic incident occurred in the Opomulero area of Owo, a residential community where many students of the state-owned polytechnic live. Ayodele, an undergraduate of the institution, was said to have been attacked inside his residence by armed assailants who forcefully gained entry before launching a brutal assault on him.
Residents of the area said the killing happened late in the day and caused panic among neighbours and students living nearby. The attackers reportedly fled the scene immediately after the attack, leaving the victim in a pool of blood.
Adding to the pain of the tragedy is the fact that Ayodele was still mourning the death of his mother, who reportedly passed away about three weeks before the incident. Friends and colleagues described him as quiet and humble, noting that he had been struggling emotionally since his mother’s death.
According to findings, the killing is believed to be connected to an ongoing supremacy battle between rival cult groups within Rufus Giwa Polytechnic. Cult-related violence has remained a major challenge in some tertiary institutions across Nigeria, often leading to loss of lives, destruction of property and fear among students and staff.
He was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, for urgent medical attention. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was confirmed dead shortly after arrival.
The news of his death spread quickly across the campus and the town, throwing students, lecturers and residents into mourning. Many students expressed fear and anger over the recurring issue of cult violence, calling on authorities to take stronger action to ensure safety on campus and in surrounding communities.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Abayomi Kazeem, said the command received a distress call reporting that a student had been shot by suspected cultists in the Opomulero area.
Kazeem explained that immediately after receiving the report, the police deployed operatives to the scene with tactical and intelligence support. He added that although the victim was quickly taken to the hospital, he later died from his injuries.
“The command received information that a student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic was attacked and shot by suspected cultists. Our officers responded promptly, but sadly the victim did not survive,” the police spokesperson said.
He further disclosed that the police had launched a manhunt for those responsible for the killing. According to him, one suspect has already been arrested in connection with the crime and is currently in police custody.
“The arrested suspect has been cooperating with the police and has provided useful information that will help in tracking down other members of the gang who are currently on the run,” Kazeem added.
He assured the public that efforts were ongoing to arrest all fleeing suspects and ensure they are brought to justice.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Mr Adebowale Lawal, commended the officers involved for their swift response to the incident. He described their actions as a sign of the command’s improved capacity to respond quickly to security threats.
Lawal reassured residents of Ondo State of the police command’s commitment to protecting lives and property. He said security measures had been strengthened across the state, especially during and after the festive period, to prevent further incidents.
The police commissioner also directed all area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical team leaders to remain alert and proactive in their duties. He stressed the need for comprehensive security coverage in all parts of the state, including schools and student-populated areas.
Cultism has been a long-standing problem in many Nigerian tertiary institutions. Despite repeated warnings, arrests and awareness campaigns, rival cult groups continue to operate secretly, often leading to violent clashes. These clashes are usually driven by power struggles, revenge attacks and competition for dominance.
In Ondo State, the government and security agencies have made several efforts in the past to address cult-related violence, including raids, arrests and collaboration with school authorities. However, incidents like the killing of Ayodele Peter show that more needs to be done to tackle the root causes of the problem.
Students of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic have called on the school management to work closely with security agencies to improve surveillance around the campus and nearby communities. Some students also appealed for better lighting, regular patrols and the installation of security cameras in known trouble spots.
Community leaders in Owo also condemned the killing, describing it as senseless and tragic. They urged youths to stay away from cultism and other criminal activities, warning that such actions only lead to destruction and loss of promising lives.
The police have also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information. According to the command, timely reporting of suspicious movements and activities can help prevent crimes and save lives.
As investigations continue, the family of the deceased is left to mourn a young man whose life was cut short under tragic circumstances. His death serves as another painful reminder of the dangers of cultism and the urgent need for collective action to ensure safety in Nigeria’s institutions of learning.