#JusticeForBlessing: UNILORIN students protest rape, murder of colleague

Students of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) and students’ union leaders have expressed outrage over the killing of a 300-level student of agricultural science, Blessing Olajide.

The spokesperson of the police in Kwara State, Ajayi Okasanmi, earlier said Ms Olajide, who they believe was first raped, was killed at her residence at Tanke area of Ilorin.

The deceased, who was living with her elder sister, was a student of the Agricultural Science Department of the school.

Mr Okasanmi in his statement on Thursday noted that the deceased “was lying dead on the floor when neighbours entered her apartment and saw her with her two hands tied to the back, and mouth gagged.”

She was naked and had bruises on her private part, the police said.

“Also a note, said to have been written on a piece of paper was placed on her chest containing a message, ‘Unilorin doesn’t forgive’.

“The people later informed the police at F’ Division Police Station, who discovered the dead body, snapped the picture, and took the corpse to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) for autopsy,” the police said.

Many students of the school have demanded justice for the deceased, trending the hashtag #JusticeForBlessing on Thursday night.

In reaction to the unfortunate incident, Waliu Taofeek, the President of the students union, urged the students to keep calm, promising that the union will take necessary action.

“We will not stay aloof as if we’re not concerned. Rather, we’ll contribute our quota, constructively and legally to ensure #justiceforblessing.
Preach peace and stay safe during this trying period. All hands are on deck,” he wrote.

Also, joining the public outcry, the Vice President of the union, Haneefah Badru, vowed that killers of Ms Olajide will be nabbed.

“It’s is heartbreaking to hear the sad news concerning Miss Blessing. Rest assured,all hands are on deck to bring the perpetrators to book.”




As of the time of filing this report, the school management was yet to release an official statement on the incident.

However, the unrelenting students are trending the hashtag, calling on authorities to ensure that the case is not swept under carpet and that the menace of rape is addressed.

Below are some reactions on Twitter

@FaisalokoMori: They left a message on her body, written on a paper
NO FORGIVENESS FROM UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN
It is a really disturbing occurrence, a mystery, many questions unanswered
#Justiceforblessing

@of_ilorin_001: They told us to stay at home ???? to avoid some wahala. Blessing was in her hostel and was raped and murdered last night. Remember “E fit be you” don’t neglect

#JusticeForBlessing
#JusticeForBlessing https://t.co/xuz1a5Iw3m