Four students of Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, sustained injuries after being struck by stray bullets during a shooting incident on Friday night. The incident, which occurred around 10:00 p.m. on March 6, has raised security concerns among students and residents of the community.
According to a statement issued by the Student Union Government (SUG), unknown gunmen reportedly fired gunshots into a street while some students were returning to their residences. In the process, four students were hit by stray bullets and suffered varying degrees of injuries.
The SUG leadership said it immediately intervened by moving the injured students from a local hospital to Wesley Guild Hospital for better medical attention. Medical personnel at the hospital conducted X-ray and ultrasound scans on the victims and confirmed that the bullets remain lodged in their bodies but are not immediately life-threatening.
However, the union noted that the affected students are currently in pain and awaiting further medical attention from a specialist expected on Monday. The union also expressed concern over reported attempts to move the injured students to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the police in Osogbo, despite being victims of the shooting.
The SUG therefore called for urgent intervention from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to ensure the safety, protection and proper treatment of the injured students. The statement was jointly signed by the SUG President, Folarin Joel Olayemi, the General Secretary, Oyagbile Israel Oluwaseun, and the Public Relations Officer, Jacob Samuel.
Meanwhile, students have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid late-night movements and overnight parties within the Esa-Oke community as security agencies investigate the incident. The union reiterated that the safety and well-being of students remain its top priority.
