Explosion Rocks OAU Hostel Leaving 26 Students Injured
An explosion near the OAU hostel leaves 26 students injured, prompting swift intervention from the NANS National Senate President as demands for justice and accountability are raised by the Students Union President.
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In a harrowing incident, at least 26 students of the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) find themselves hospitalized in various facilities in Ile-Ife, Osun State, following an explosion that originated from a nearby filling station and engulfed their hostel on Legere Road, close to the school campus.
One student, Sanusi Aderemi, who narrowly escaped the calamity, recounted the terrifying experience, stating, "We just heard this loud sound of an explosion, and before we could say jack, fire started ravaging properties and burning students. Honestly, it was a pathetic experience. How I escaped, only God can explain, because all I knew was that I just found myself outside."
The Students Union President of OAU, Abbass Akinremi Ojo, disclosed that the unfortunate incident occurred around 6:00 pm on Tuesday. Expressing concern for the affected students, Ojo highlighted the swift action taken by the NANS National Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, resulting in the immediate closure of the implicated filling station and two annexes.
Ojo emphasized the demands put forth by the students, insisting that justice must be served. He stated, "The man who owns the filling station also owns the hostel; he must be responsible for the hospital bills because our students are still in the hospital. He must also refund our students their rent for the year because the house has been greatly damaged. Students pay him between N200,000 to N250,000 yearly, and this is what they get? Again, most of them lost their belongings, which means he must also pay for damages! We will stop at nothing to ensure justice for our affected students."
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As investigations unfold, concerns rise about the owner of the filling station, who is reportedly in hiding. NANS has pledged to pursue the matter until the responsible party is held accountable for the well-being and losses incurred by the students.
