Tension rose in Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, on Wednesday after a confrontation broke out between police operatives and students of Interlink College of Health Technology over the death of a student in a road accident.
The deceased, identified simply as Oluwaseun, a National Diploma II student of Mass Communication, was said to have been returning to Ijebu-Jesa on a motorcycle when a bus struck him along the Ijebu-Jesa/Esa-Oke Road.
Video footage obtained from the scene showed angry students engaging police officers, insisting that the driver involved in the crash be released to them.
An eyewitness who spoke anonymously said the mood turned violent after the student died despite efforts to save his life.
“Students stormed the scene and demanded that the driver be brought to them. While that was ongoing, police officers who responded to the distress call asked them to allow the vehicle to be taken to the station for investigation,” the source said.
The situation worsened when some students attempted to set the bus on fire. Police operatives responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowd.
“The use of tear gas created panic in the area. The deceased was coming from Ilesa when the accident happened. Although efforts were made to save him, he died. His colleagues later staged protests around the town, but normalcy has since returned,” the source added.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed the incident. The spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the identity of the deceased had not been fully verified at the time of the report. He also stated that order had been restored in the area after police intervention.
The management of Interlink College of Health Technology later announced a temporary shutdown of the institution in honour of the deceased student.
In a statement signed by Mr. L. Balogun on behalf of the Registrar, the school management said:
“Students are hereby advised to remain calm and prayerful during this difficult time. Academic activities will resume on Tuesday, 19th May, 2026,” the statement read.
