By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Tragedy has hit Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, following the reported gruesome killing of a 300-level student, identified as Babalola Marvelous Olanrewaju.
The killing was said to have occured on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the ultramodern Wazo Market in Ogbomoso during a passing out ceremony said to have been banned.
The management of the institution confirmed the tragic killing in a statement issued today, August 13 by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Lekan Fadeyi, on behalf of the Registrar, Olayinka O. Balogun.
Olanrewaju was said to be a student of the Department of Mechanical Engineering; he was reportedly shot during the gathering and later succumbed to the injuries sustained from the shot.
Balogun said the university had prohibited signout activities since 2023 and had formally warned hotels and event venues in and around Ogbomoso against hosting such celebrations.
He said despite the ban, preliminary investigations revealed that a group of students flouted the directive by holding a signout ceremony on a football pitch within the Wazo Market.
The event turned fatal when the deceased was allegedly shot at the venue.
He added that reports indicated that the victim fled the scene on his motorbike, but collapsed a short distance away, where he was later found unresponsive.
“Upon receiving a distress call, the Acting Dean of Student Affairs contacted the Oyo State Police Command in Ogbomoso, prompting the deployment of personnel from the Monitoring Unit and Area Command.
“A search of the victim’s belongings helped confirm his identity through the university’s records. His remains were taken to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital morgue,” he stated.
The institution said it was cooperating with the police in the ongoing investigation and had notified the victim’s parents.
“The management extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. May God grant him eternal rest, and may his family find solace during this difficult time,” the statement concluded.
