The Student Union Government (SUG) of Kwara State Polytechnic has demanded justice for the alleged killing of Abdulqoyum Bamidele, a second-year student, by an unidentified Kwara State police officer. During a press briefing held by the Student Union President, Sen. Saheed Olalekan Ishola on Monday, September 9, 2024, the union voiced their concerns and outlined their key demands to the authorities.

The union called for the immediate public identification and parading of the police officer responsible for Bamidele’s death, emphasizing that the public has a right to know the identity of the officer involved in this tragic incident. They insisted that this is a standard procedure and should be conducted without delay to restore the trust of the students and the general public in the police force.

They also demanded that the investigation into Bamidele’s death be conducted openly and transparently. The students believe that there is available CCTV footage in the area that could help expedite the investigation, and they urged the authorities not to resort to delay tactics or attempts to cover up the incident.

In addition, the SUG called for an immediate end to the stop-and-search operations along student routes, particularly the Post Office-Polytechnic road, which has become notorious for police harassment and extortion. They further demanded that police officers be prohibited from checking students’ phones as part of these operations.

The union also urged the police command to accept responsibility for the killing of Bamidele by offering financial restitution to his family. They called for comprehensive support, including trauma counseling and educational scholarships for the deceased’s siblings, to help the family cope with the loss.

The SUG proposed the establishment of a police-student relations committee to address ongoing tensions. This committee, comprising student representatives, university officials, and police officers, would help foster better communication and resolve issues related to police misconduct towards students.

The students warned that if their demands are not met within 48 hours, they may be forced to embark on continuous, peaceful protests to seek justice.

In their closing remarks, the students appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene, citing the urgent need to protect the youth and future leaders of the state from police brutality.