Babcock University in Ogun State has confirmed the killing by suspected kidnappers of Yinka Olomojobi, a Professor of Human Rights and Gender Law in the institution.
The school announced this through a statement signed by Dr. Joshua Suleiman, Director, Marketing and Communication, Seventh-đay Adventist Institution of Higher Learning, in Ilishan-Remo, on Monday.
According to Suleiman, the tragic incident occurred in Iperu town between 8pm and 9pm on Friday, April 19, 2024 along Iperu-Sagamu Road, about 8 kilometres from the Ilisan-Remo campus of the institution, and 3 kilometres from Iperu Campus.
“This came as a rude shock to the entire university community which has been thrown into mourning,” Suleiman said.
The statement added that, “The Nigeria Police Force is investigating the act of utmost savagery by the suspected kidnappers.”
Suleiman further noted that the law enforcement agencies, in conjunction with the Ogun State Government were on the trail of the perpetrators, adding that more security operatives have been deployed to ensure maximum safety of lives and property in the entire axis of the state.
He described the deceased who began his career in Babcock University on April 1, 2011, “as a vibrant personality who gave his all to imparting knowledge and empowering young people of the university where he taught.”
Prof Olomojobi had his Bachelor’s degree in Law from the Ogun State University between 1985 -1990; Master’s and Doctoral Degree programmes between 2006 – 2010 from the University of Liverpool and Lancaster University, England, respectively.
“The University commiserates with his family, friends, faculty, staff and students at this time of grief and prays for God’s comfort and courage to bear the loss,” the statement read.
Stakeholders, such as students, parents, host community, faculty and staff have been assured that Babcock University would continue to collaborate with all government security and local vigilance agencies, to ensure maximum protection of lives and property within, and around the university environment.
“The partnership with our stakeholders over the years has yielded positive outcomes, and we will continue to explore greater collaborative endeavours to ensure a safer, learning, and living space for all,” the statement added.
Yinka Olomojobi was killed on Friday when the assailants invaded the Iperu.
The kidnappers, according to reports, intended to abduct Olomojobi, but shot him when he allegedly out up a resistance.
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the report, said one person had been arrested in connection with the incident.
“A suspicious coincidence led the police to arrest one Awada Ishaya of Plateau State who was employed two weeks ago when the event centre was launched as a security man for further interrogation,” Odutola said.
