Tragedy as OAU student falls into soakaway, dies

There was tension at the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile Ife, when one of its students, Ajibola Heritage Ayomikun, died after falling into a soakaway at one of the private hostels in the Students Village.

Abiodun Olanrewaju, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, explained that the deceased was a year two student of the Department of Linguistics and African Languages.

While commiserating with the parents of the victim, Olanrewaju said  the university’s management is saddened by this unfortunate incident.

Efforts made by personnel from the state’s fire service and other emergency rescue officials to save the life of the student, as learnt proved abortive. While the victim was rushed to the OAU Teaching Hospital for medical attention, the student was certified dead upon reaching the hospital.

Reacting, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, sympathised with the student and condoled the parents of the deceased.

According to the university’s spokesman, the VC led his management team to the scene, describing the incident as unacceptable.

He pledged to critically look into the circumstances that led to the student’s death and mete out appropriate sanctions against those involved or whoever is found culpable.

The Vice-Chancellor appealed to the students to remain calm and law-abiding as the police, who have been briefed, are also investigating.