A final year student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife in Osun State, Okoli Ahize, has been beaten to death by a mob in the institution for allegedly stealing a phone.

It was gathered that Ahize, a Part 5 student of the Department of Civil Engineering, was beaten to death at the Awolowo Hall of Residence of the institution on Monday, April 10.

The incident was confirmed via a statement issued on Tuesday by the OAU spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju.

Olarewaju noted that preliminary investigation revealed that the student died of a mob action on the allegation that he stole a phone, adding that OAU management has set up a panel to investigate the incident.

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He stated: “The administration of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has condemned, in strong terms, the incident that led to the death of a Part 5 student of the institution.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the student died of a mob action on the allegation that he stole a phone.

“Saddened by this ugly development which he described as unfortunate, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, has set up a committee to unravel the circumstances that led to this incident.

“The action of the mob, being a violation of the law of the country and of the university regulations, has been reported to the police who have commenced investigations.

“The university administration hereby commiserates with the parents of the deceased, staff and students, and prays that God will grant us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

The OAU spokesman, therefore, enjoined students to desist from taking laws into their hands and report any criminal activities to the university authorities for immediate action.

The Star