Success Nwogu, Ilorin

A student of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, Mr. Kazeem Oloto, has been shot dead by suspected cultists.

Our correspondent gathered on Friday that fear enveloped students and other members of the academic community following the incident.

A source, who pleaded anonymity, said the students of the polytechnic had concluded what he described as a peaceful and successful Students’ Union election but were jolted some hours later when they discovered that Oloto had been killed.

The Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed Olotu’s death to Saturday PUNCH.

He said the victim might have been shot dead in a bush by suspected cultists who later dragged his lifeless body to the roadside.

He added that the police recovered some exhibits at the scene and later deposited Oloto’s body at a mortuary.

He said the police had commenced investigation into the incident.

The polytechnic authorities, in a statement by its Head, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Mr. Ladi Badmus, said the victim was shot dead by the suspected cultists around Hamdalat International School, Atari, Offa.

According to him, the management of the institution ensured the release of Olotu’s body to his family after they had fulfilledthe necessary conditions laid down by the police.

Badmus said, “The management wishes to state categorically that the death of Kazeem Adedolapo Oloto, is not in any way connected to the just peacefully concluded Students’ Union election, held at the Polytechnic Mini Campus on June 13, 2016.

“It is, therefore, important to allay the fears of the general public, especially parents and guardians, that the sad event was not a fall-out of the election.

“As always, the Polytechnic campuses remain absolutely calm and peaceful just as staff and students go about their respective duties unhindered.”

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