OOU Student Killed by Suspected Robbers, University Declares Lecture-Free Day

The Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, has been thrown into mourning following the tragic killing of a 100-level student during a suspected armed robbery attack in Ago-Iwoye township.

The deceased, identified as Lawanson Anthony Abiodun, was a student of the Department of Arts and Social Science Education.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, sent shockwaves through the university community, prompting the institution’s management to suspend academic activities for the day in honour of the slain undergraduate.

In a statement issued by the university and signed by its spokesman, Mr. Niyi Oduwole, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, expressed profound sorrow over the student’s death and extended condolences to his family, classmates and the entire university community.

According to the statement, the Vice-Chancellor, acting on behalf of the University Senate, directed that Thursday, June 18, 2026 be observed as a lecture-free day to allow students and staff mourn the loss.

“Following the incident of armed robbery in Ago-Iwoye township that resulted in the tragic loss of one of our students early this morning, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, on behalf of the University Senate, has directed that today, Thursday, June 18, 2026, be declared a lecture-free day,” the statement read.

The university management described the incident as deeply painful and assured students that proactive measures were being taken to strengthen security within the institution and surrounding communities.

“The University management expresses its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and assures students that adequate security measures will be put in place in collaboration with relevant security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property,” the statement added.

Management also appealed for calm among students and urged them to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions during the grieving period.

“Management appeals to the entire student population that, in grieving over the untimely death of their colleague, they should exercise restraint and eschew any action that may further aggravate the situation on the ground. At this critical period, the University management pledges its support to the students and sympathises with them over the loss of their colleague,” the university said.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the incident and commenced an investigation into the killing.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said police operatives had launched a manhunt for those responsible for the attack.

“The Ogun State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the tragic death of a student of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, who was shot by suspected armed robbers in Ago-Iwoye,” Babaseyi said.

“Police operatives responded promptly and have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. Investigation is ongoing, while the Command commiserates with the family of the deceased and the OOU community and prays that the deceased’s soul rests in perfect peace.”

The killing has reignited concerns over security in Ago-Iwoye and surrounding communities, with students calling for stronger measures to protect lives and property within the university environment.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing as efforts intensify to apprehend those behind the attack.