Tension gripped Ijebu-Jesa in Osun State on Wednesday following a clash between police operatives and students of Interlink College of Health Technology after the death of a student in a road accident.
The deceased, identified simply as Oluwaseun, a National Diploma II student of Mass Communication, was reportedly returning to Ijebu-Jesa on a motorcycle when he was hit by a bus along the Ijebu-Jesa/Esa-Oke Road.
Video footage obtained by PUNCH Metro showed aggrieved students of the institution confronting police officers at the scene, insisting that the bus driver involved in the accident be handed over to them.
A source at the scene, who pleaded anonymity, said the students became enraged after their colleague died shortly after the accident despite efforts to revive him.
“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.
According to the source, the situation escalated when some students attempted to set the bus ablaze, prompting police operatives to fire tear gas into the air 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.
When contacted, the Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident but said the identity of the deceased had not yet been fully established at the time of filing this report.
He added that calm had been restored to the community following police intervention.
Meanwhile, the management of Interlink College of Health Technology has announced a temporary closure of the institution in honour of the deceased student.
In a statement signed by Mr. L. Balogun on behalf of the Registrar, the management said the shutdown was also to allow the school community to mourn the loss.
“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.
