Kwara State Polytechnic Students Protest Over Shooting of Colleague at Police Checkpoint

Students at Kwara State Polytechnic are in uproar after the killing of their fellow student, Quayum Abdulyekeen Ishola, by police officers at a checkpoint on September 4. The institution's Student Union Government (SUG) has organized a demonstration demanding a thorough investigation into the incident.

Ishola, a second-year student in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, was reportedly shot at a checkpoint on the Panat-ShopRite Road. He sustained severe injuries and passed away from blood loss the following day at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH).

Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi identified the officers involved as Inspectors Abiodun Kayode and James Emmanuel, along with Sergeant Oni Philip, all from the state’s police command operations department. The officers are currently detained at the Criminal Investigations Department in Abuja pending further investigation.

The checkpoint where Ishola was shot has been previously criticized for police extortion and harassment targeting students. Saheed Olalekan Ishola, President of the Kwara Poly Student Union, has called for a transparent investigation and an end to such extortionist practices.

"We demand a full and open investigation into this incident," Olalekan stated at a press conference. "We are aware that there are several CCTV cameras in the area. We insist that stop-and-search operations on routes frequented by students be stopped immediately and that police officers be barred from checking cell phones on highways."

The protesters are also advocating for the establishment of a police-student relations committee to address campus safety issues. They are calling for compensation for Ishola's family and the public exposure of the officers involved. A 48-hour ultimatum has been given to the police to meet these demands or face continued protests.