A student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), has allegedly died after being brutally flogged by members of the Man O’ War unit attached to the institution over an accusation that he stole ₦13,000.
The incident, which has sparked outrage among students and members of the public, has raised fresh concerns about the conduct of security personnel operating within tertiary institutions.
According to accounts of the incident, the student was accused of stealing the money and was allegedly subjected to repeated flogging by the officials. He reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained during the assault.
The development has drawn criticism from rights advocates and concerned citizens, who argue that the Man O’ War personnel lacked the legal authority to investigate, detain or punish the student.
Observers noted that the officials should have handed the suspect over to the university’s security department or relevant law enforcement agencies for proper investigation and due process.
The tragedy has also brought renewed scrutiny to allegations of excessive force and brutality previously levelled against the unit. Critics claim that warnings over the conduct of some operatives were ignored, creating an atmosphere in which abuses could occur without accountability.
The incident has reignited calls for stronger oversight of security personnel in higher institutions, with many demanding a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and the prosecution of all those found responsible.
As outrage continues to mount, attention is increasingly turning to the role of the university management and whether adequate measures were taken to address previous complaints against the unit before the fatal incident occurred.