A Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), committed to addressing gender issues and advocating for the rights and safety of women and students across Ekiti state has called on the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji and the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti state Command to ensure speedy justice for slained female varsity student in the state
The group comprising of Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI), Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Gender Relevance Promotion Initiative (GRIP) and National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) made this known in an open letter to the governor and Commissioner of Police, Ekiti state Command.
According to the letter 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 group said, “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.”
The group however, commended the Police Command for taking swift action in arresting prime suspects linked to the henious crime against the female student.
“Their commitment to ensuring justice for the victim is a step in the right direction.”
The Open Letter reads in part, “We write to you today as a coalition of civil society organizations deeply committed to addressing gender issues and advocating for the rights and safety of women and students across our state. 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 fear of violence should never be an impediment to one’s education or personal growth.
“We commend the swift action taken by the Police in arresting suspects linked to this crime. Their commitment to ensuring justice for the victim is a step in the right direction.
“However, we implore the necessary authorities, including your esteemed office and the Commissioner for Police, to spare no effort in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book and face the full force of the law.
“Furthermore, we call for comprehensive measures to be implemented to enhance the safety and security of all students, particularly female 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 responsibility to engender an environment in which students can pursue their dreams unburdened by the specter of violence or harm falls upon our collective shoulders. This obligation encompasses the provision of essential infrastructural facilities that ensure a well-lit and secured environment for all students.
“In conclusion, we extend our deepest condolences to the grieving family of the victim and stand in unwavering solidarity with the entire student body of FUOYE whilst urging the management of FUOYE to cooperate with the relevant authorities in bringing the perpetrator(s) to book.
“It is only by uniting as a community that we can labor ceaselessly to ensure that this abominable act never finds a place in our community, and that justice is vigorously served.
“We earnestly anticipate your swift and unwavering commitment to action in this matter, which gravely concerns the heart of our society. Violence should not be the cost of our education as girls and women. Violence is not the cost.”
