By Titilayo Iwalewa.
Coalition of civil society organisations on Friday, lauded the swift response taken by the Police in arresting suspects allegedly linked to the murder, and mutilation of a 200-level female student, Atanda Deborah of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) in Ekiti State.
The coalition gave the commendation in an open letter addressed to Ekiti Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti Command, Dare Ogundare, a copy, which was made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Friday.
It described the Police Command commitment to ensuring justice for the victim as a step in the right direction.
It however, implored concerned authorities to spare no efforts in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book and face the full force of the law.
The open letter was titled: “Condemnation of the Heinous Crime Against a Female Student of FUOYE and the Urgent Need to Set the Wheel of Justice in Motion.”
The coalition expressed its commitment to addressing gender issues and advocating for the rights and safety of women and students across our States.
“It is with profound grief and outrage that we address you regarding the recent tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through our community.
“The murder, and mutilation of a 200-level female student – Atanda Modupe Deborah of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) in Ekiti State is an abhorrent act that not only shatters the lives of the victim and her family, but also shakes the very foundations of our society.
“Such a gruesome incident strikes fear into the hearts of students, especially women and girls, who should feel safe pursuing their education.
“This horrifying event has far-reaching consequences, particularly on the mental health of our students and their parents.
“The trauma and anxiety that this act has instilled in the minds of young women and the entire students at FUOYE and their parents are immeasurable,”the coalition said.
It said that the fear of violence should not be an impediment to one’s education or personal growth, hence calling for comprehensive measures to be implemented to enhance the safety and security of all students within and around educational institutions.
“It is our collective responsibility to create an environment where students can pursue their dreams without fear of violence.”
The coalition condoled with the family of the victim, while urging the management of FUOYE to cooperate with the relevant authorities in bringing the perpetrators to book.
“It is only by uniting as a community that we can labour ceaselessly to ensure that this abominable act never finds a place in our community, and that justice is served,”it submitted.
The coalition condemned the killing of the female nursing student and burying her body in a shallow grave on the campus by some evil individuals.
The CSOs in the coalition are: Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI), Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Centre for Better Health & Community Development (BHECOD), Gender Relevance Promotion Initiative (GRIP) and Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ