Ondo varsity final year student commits suicide after church vigil

A 500-level student of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State, Modupe Ayandare, has committed suicide.

She was said to have taken her life after attending a church vigil in the community.

The death of Ayandare was disclosed by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the institution on Monday, June 17, 2024.

The SUG, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Emmanuel Olaogbebikan, said the student was found dead on Monday.

The union stated: “We express in strong terms our dissatisfaction and agony with respect to the death of one of our students, Miss Modupe Ayandare of the Department of Agronomy.

“According to reports, the deceased was said to have committed suicide in the early hours of today at about 4:00 a.m. after she returned from a vigil in her church.

“The incident happened beside the church she attended, around Spotless Villa.

“The law enforcement agencies have been informed already, and all hands are on deck to get to the root of the situation.

“Be assured that justice will be served and the law enforcement agency will undertake a thorough investigation.”

The union also enjoined anyone with useful information on the incident to give to the concerned authorities to come forward.

Also confirming the student’s death, AAUA spokesperson Victor Akinpelumi said the university management had confirmed the incident but was yet to know the cause of the death.

Akinpelumi, who sympathised with the family of the deceased, added that the institution would make an official statement known to the public on the student’s death.

Also mourning the death of the student, the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS), AAUA chapter, said the loss affected the department.

The department’s spokesman, Faith Igba, said the demise of Ayandare was a profound loss to the department.

Igba urged the members of the department to come together and be of help to one another, asking those going through challenges to seek help.

He stated: “During this difficult time, we urge everyone to come together in each other’s support. The mental well-being of our members is of utmost importance, and we encourage anyone who may be struggling to seek help.

“Our faculty offers counselling services, and we are here to support you in any way we can.

“Please join me in extending our deepest condolences to Comrade Modupe’s family, friends, and colleagues.

“Let us honour her memory by fostering a compassionate and supportive environment for all,” he said.