AAUA Killings: Ondo Assembly member, Agbulu Tope, seeks urgent security action in Akungba

The Member representing Akoko South West Constituency II in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Tope Agbulu, has raised alarm over the gruesome killing of three students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), describing the recent incidents as heartbreaking and a threat to the peace and safety of the academic community.

Speaking on the floor of the House on Monday, July 29, 2025, Agbulu condemned the “brutal and senseless” murders of the students, which occurred between July 16 and July 22, 2025. 

He warned that the town of Akungba, once regarded as a student-friendly community, is gradually becoming unsafe due to rising violence.

“I rise this day with a heavy heart, compelled by duty and responsibility, to bring to the attention of this Honourable House the deeply troubling and tragic events that have recently occurred in my constituency, particularly within the student community of Akungba-Akoko,” Agbulu said.

Giving details of the incidents, he noted that the first tragedy happened on Tuesday, July 16, when two students—Abha John Friday, 25, and Okah Adrel Eloho, 19—were brutally murdered in what he described as a premeditated attack.

“Investigations and eyewitness accounts link the killings to one Oladele Femi, the landlord of the victims, who was allegedly the ringleader in the act, alongside two accomplices,” he told the Assembly.

He added that although Oladele Femi is now dead under unclear circumstances, the two other suspects have been arrested and charged to court.

The second case, which occurred days later, involved the murder of another student, Joy Adeyemi, by her boyfriend, identified as Olatunbosun, who is reportedly on the run. Agbulu said the killing was allegedly motivated by a dispute over business proceeds.

“In a separate but equally horrifying development, a young lady and student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Joy Adeyemi, was also murdered by her boyfriend, one Olatunbosun,” he said. “This gruesome act, motivated by greed and betrayal, has further deepened the pain felt by the university community.”

Agbulu expressed concern that while the majority of Akungba indigenes are peace-loving, the actions of a few criminals are putting the entire community at risk of losing its long-standing reputation as a welcoming environment for students.

“While these bad actors do not represent the good people of Akungba, their actions have cast a dark shadow on the image and safety of the community,” he said.

He further warned of possible escalation if authorities fail to act, noting that the town is at risk of student migration, retaliatory attacks, and a breakdown of law and order.

The lawmaker, while making a passionate appeal, called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Commissioner of Police, and all relevant security agencies to immediately swing into action.

“We must not fold our arms while innocent students, our future leaders, are being cut down in the prime of their youth. The social and academic stability of Adekunle Ajasin University depends heavily on the safety of its students,” he warned.

Among his recommendations were a full-scale investigation into the killings, the arrest of the fleeing suspect Olatunbosun, increased security patrols in Akungba, the establishment of a campus-community security task force, and a Conflict and Crisis Response Committee to mediate student-community relations.

“Let this Honourable House rise in unity to condemn these acts, demand justice, and ensure that Akungba remains a safe haven for education, not a theatre of bloodshed,” he appealed.

Agbulu ended his remarks with a personal note, saying,

“I make this appeal not just as a legislator but as a father, a brother, and a concerned member of the community. Let us act now before this gets out of hand.”