(25 Years ago) Bloody story of How Cultist brutally murdered 5 OAU Students in 1999 and nobody was brought to justice. On a fateful Saturday morning, July 10, 1999, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, was plunged into chaos and grief as a brutal attack by cultists led to the murder of five students. The assault, which began around 4:30 AM, was carried out by 40 masked members of the Black Axe Confraternity, all clad in black trousers, black T-shirts, and face masks. This event remains one of the darkest days in the history of Nigerian universities, and 25 years later, the memories still haunt the hearts of their peers and the nation at large, especially since no one has been held accountable. Among the murdered students was George Akinyemi Iwilade, affectionately known as Afrika, a 21-year-old 400-Level Law student who served as the General Secretary of the Students’ Union Government (SUG). Alongside him were: Eviano Ekeimu, a 400-Level Medicine student Yemi Ajiteru, an extra year student Babatunde Oke, a 100-Level Philosophy student Godfrey Ekpede, another student whose life was cut short prematurely. The assailants launched their attack in the early hours, targeting Blocks 5 and 8 of Awolowo Hall. George Iwilade had returned to his room, 273, Block 8, after attending a ceremony at Awo Café around 4:15 AM. Just fifteen minutes later, the attackers, allegedly led by a student from another university, stormed his room. They used a machete to inflict a deep cut on his head before shooting him in the forehead, ensuring his death. The massacre sent shockwaves through the university, leading to widespread student protests. The students' anger was directed particularly at the then Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wole Omole, whom they accused of failing to protect them. The protests eventually led to the arrest of three suspects: Aisekhaghe Aikhile, a Part I student of Agricultural Economics; Emeka Ojuagu; and Frank Idahosa (Efosa). However, despite the initial arrests, these individuals were eventually released, and no one has been brought to justice for the heinous crime. The reasons behind the massacre and the failure of the justice system to hold the perpetrators accountable are complex. According to an account by Professor Roger Makanjuola in his book "Water Must Flow Uphill (Adventures in University Administration)," the attack was a culmination of escalating tensions and the presence of cult activities within the university. Professor Makanjuola, who became the Vice-Chancellor following the massacre, played a crucial role in investigating the incident and attempting to bring those involved to justice. Despite his efforts and those of others, the case remains unresolved. The lives of George Iwilade, Eviano Ekeimu, Yemi Ajiteru, Babatunde Oke, and Godfrey Ekpede were brutally cut short, yet their legacy endures. They are remembered for their courage and the ultimate sacrifice they made in the fight against cultism and violence in Nigerian universities. Their deaths serve as a stark reminder of the dangers that students faced and continue to face from cult activities. The tragedy of July 10, 1999, still resonates today as Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of violence and insecurity in its educational institutions. The lack of justice for the slain students underscores a broader challenge within the Nigerian legal and educational systems to protect students and uphold the rule of law. As we remember the fallen heroes, we must also renew our commitment to eradicating cultism and ensuring that educational environments are safe and conducive for learning. The story of George Akinyemi Iwilade and his colleagues is a poignant chapter in Nigerian history. Their bravery and tragic end highlight the urgent need for justice and the protection of student rights. As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of their deaths, let us honor their memory by continuing to advocate for a just and safe society. May their soul RIP #Historylovers
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