By Jide Francis
Society Page Editor
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the tragic death of a student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, who was reportedly shot during a sign-out celebration. The deceased, identified as Babalola Marvelous Ishola, was found lifeless by the roadside at approximately 5:38 p.m. on Wednesday.
The news was made public by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama via their official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday. According to the post, a distress report had alerted authorities to the presence of an unattended male corpse on the roadside. Security operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene, where the victim was identified as a LAUTECH student through items found on him.
The Dean of Student Affairs at LAUTECH later confirmed the identity of the deceased as Babalola, further verifying that he was indeed a registered student of the institution. His body has since been deposited at the morgue of the LAUTECH University Teaching Hospital for preservation.
The shocking incident has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a joyful sendoff for graduating students. In response, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Monitoring Unit has launched a full-scale investigation into the incident. A sting operation led to the arrest of sixteen suspects believed to be connected to the shooting.
In a statement released to the press, the police assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Babalola’s tragic death. “We are committed to ensuring that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice,” the statement read.
The untimely loss has sparked grief and outrage among students, faculty, and the broader LAUTECH community, with many calling for increased security and stricter regulation of student events. As investigations continue, the university and the public await justice for Babalola Marvelous Ishola — a life cut short far too soon.
