A student of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Ademiju Ayeni, from the Department of Estate Management, was on Saturday stabbed to death during the convention of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Committee, Osun State Chapter, in Osogbo.

According to multiple sources who participated in the convention, Ayeni was stabbed by a member of the security committee of the programme.

An official of NANS South-West, who spoke with Sunday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, said the security committee member, who had a knife, stabbed Ayeni while trying to prevent him from gaining access to the convention venue.

The source said the deceased was confirmed dead at a private hospital in Osogbo, after which his remains were deposited at the morgue of the Osun State University Teaching Hospital.

It was also gathered that the matter was reported at the Dada Estate Police Station.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abiodun Ojelabi, told Sunday PUNCH that there had been a disagreement earlier during the convention held at the state NUJ Press Centre in the state capital, between Ayeni and some individuals, which was later resolved.

According to Ojelabi, Ayeni later complained of chest pain and was rushed to the hospital.

“The police are aware of the matter. What we gathered was that there was a little disagreement during the convention and it was settled. After they dispersed, the deceased complained of chest pain and, when it was checked, he had a stab wound on his chest.

“He was rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead. The body has been deposited and an autopsy will be conducted,” Ojelabi disclosed.

However, the PPRO could not confirm whether any arrest had been made in connection with the incident.

But the NANS South-West Coordinator, Josiah Adeyemo, said the incident was cult-related, adding that the alleged perpetrator remained unidentified.

“According to reports reaching me, it was cult-related. They fought for a few minutes, and then he was stabbed.

“It is quite unfortunate because the proceedings went peacefully. Hence, I don’t know what could have caused the fight outside the gate,” he stated.