Tension erupted in Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, on Wednesday after students of Interlink College of Health Technology clashed with police officers following the death of a student in a road accident.
The deceased, identified simply as Oluwaseun, was a National Diploma II student in the Mass Communication Department of the institution.
He was reportedly travelling on a motorcycle back to Ijebu-Jesa when a bus allegedly struck him along the Ijebu-Jesa/Esa-Oke Road.
Eyewitnesses said the incident triggered outrage among students of the college, who stormed the accident scene and demanded that the driver of the bus be handed over to them.
A viral video circulating online showed angry students confronting police operatives who had arrived at the scene after receiving a distress call.
A source familiar with the incident disclosed that efforts were initially made to save the victim’s life, but he later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
According to the source, the situation became tense when police officers attempted to move the vehicle involved in the accident to the station for further investigation.
“The students insisted that the driver should be released to them, but the police refused and insisted on taking the vehicle away for investigation,” the source said.
The source added that some students allegedly attempted to set the bus ablaze, forcing security operatives to disperse the crowd with tear gas.
“The use of tear gas caused panic around the area. The deceased was said to be returning from Ilesa when the accident occurred. Students later staged protests within the town, but calm has now been restored,” the source added.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said police operatives intervened promptly to restore order in the community.
He noted, however, that the identity of the deceased had yet to be fully verified as of the time of filing the report.
Meanwhile, the management of Interlink College of Health Technology has announced the temporary closure of the institution in honour of the late student.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Registrar by Mr. L. Balogun, the management urged students to remain calm and prayerful during the mourning period.
The statement added that academic activities at the institution would resume on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
