Ogotun Development Union (ODU) has called for full investigations into circumstances that led to the gruesome killing of a serving corp member ,Damilola Iyanda by a trigger-happy police officer in Ogbomoso.
The apex community association also urged the Oyo State Government to launch a thorough investigation into Damilola’s death and ensure that those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law
A statement signed by Joshua Olu Ojo, Miracle Oyebode and Tunde Oluwasimirin ,the union global Presideht ,Secretary and Director of Public Relations respectively called on critical stakeholders to rise to the ocassion and demand justice for the deceased .
The statement reads : the loss of Damilola, a promising young member of our community who is currently serving his fatherland through the NYSC, has left us devastated and outraged. We extend our deepest condolences to his immediate family, friends, loved ones, and the entire Ogotun-Ekiti and Ekiti State at large during this difficult time. It’s a very bitter pill to swallow.
“Damilola’s untimely death underscores the urgent need for accountability and reform within our law enforcement agencies. No individual should ever have their life unjustly taken away by those sworn to protect them. His tragic demise serves as a stark reminder of the systemic issues plaguing our society, particularly regarding police brutality and the excessive use of force.
As an organization committed to the well-being and advancement of our community; Ogotun-Ekiti and her people, ODU calls upon all stakeholders to join us in seeking justice for Damilola Iyanda. We urge the following entities to take immediate action:
“LAUTECH (Ladoke Akintola University of Technology): Damilola was in the University to celebrate with his brother during the just concluded convocation of the institution where there was a disagreement among students and police who were invited to calm the situation eventually killed him.
“We implore the university administration to lend its support in demanding justice for Damilola. As an institution dedicated to academic excellence and social responsibility, LAUTECH must stand in solidarity with its students and the broader community in condemning this senseless act of violence.
“Oyo State Government: We call upon the Oyo State Government to launch a thorough investigation into Damilola’s death and ensure that those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Additionally, we urge the government to prioritize reforms within the security architecture of the tertiary institutions to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The school is owned by Oyo State government and the tragic incident occurred in the state, as much as Damilola is not from Oyo State, we would appeal for the state government to treat this as their own considering the fact that Damilola was a young Nigerian who did not deserve to lose his life just like that.
“Ekiti State Government: Damilola was a proud son of Ekiti State, and we appeal to the Ekiti State Government to advocate fiercely on behalf of its citizen. We urge the government to provide support to Damilola’s family and to work collaboratively with Oyo State authorities and Nigerian police to ensure that justice is served.
“Records, history and fact have it that the alleged police officer who shot Damilola is known for his abuse of power, that he has done it several times and has gone scot-free is a strong indication that this might also be one of the previous cases if not pursued diligently, and this might be beyond the immediate family of Damilola, Ekiti State government should please rise to this in defence of one of her sons.
“Nigerian Police Force: We demand transparency and accountability from the Nigerian Police Force in addressing this egregious act of violence committed by one of its officers. It is imperative that the NPF takes swift and decisive action to root out misconduct and ensure that officers uphold their duty to protect and serve all members of society.
“We demand that the NPF conducts a thorough investigation into the actions of the officer involved and implements measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The trust between law enforcement and the community must be restored through concrete actions and reforms.
“It must be noted that the name of the officer involved in the case is a household name in the University and Ogbomoso community at large for being a notorious gun runner with or without being on official duty, his abuse of power rings bell and there is a need to put a stop to this or for how long shall we allow an individual who is supposed to protect people continue to take their lives. Attitudes like this by our police officers led to the last END SARS protest and it is on record that the same police officer was at the centre stage of the atrocities before SARS were disbanded.
We must also note that the celebrant whom Damilola came to celebrate with is still in the hospital for treatment of the injuries sustained from gunshots by the same police officer, Saheed.
“National Youths Service Corps: Damilola was a serving Corps member with NYSC and we call on NYSC as a body to join their voice in demanding for justice for one of their own, no doubt their voice will be heard louder even than that of his immediate family member, the DG should press this as till death, Damilola as a Corps member was seen as his son.
Damilola deserves justice, NYSC please get him one.
“Civil Society Organizations and Advocacy Groups: We urge civil society organizations and advocacy groups, Federation of Ekiti State Students Union, SA to the Students on Students Engagement and all stakeholders in the Nigeria Project to see this call as another in the quest to return sanity to our country and mobilize support for Damilola’s family and to advocate for systemic reforms that address the root causes of police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Nigeria. Its Damilola today, we don’t know who is next tomorrow.
“In conclusion, ODU stands united in our resolve to seek justice for Damilola Iyanda and to hold accountable those responsible for his senseless death. We call upon all stakeholders to join us in this pursuit and to uphold the principles of justice, accountability, and human rights for all. Together, let us honour Damilola’s memory by working towards a more just and equitable society for future generations”.The statement said.
