A 200-level nursing student of the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Atanda Modupe Deborah, was found dead on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, with her eyes plucked out and signs of rape. She had gone missing on Monday, September 4, after she went to class for a night reading.
According to her roommates, Deborah left for the night reading around 8 pm on Monday and did not return to the hostel. They became worried when they could not reach her on her phone and decided to report her disappearance to the school authorities and the police.
On Tuesday, September 5, some students discovered Deborah’s books and other materials in a large pond near the faculty of health sciences. They alerted the security personnel, who searched the pond but could not find her body.
On Wednesday, September 6, around 6 am, some students noticed a foul smell coming from behind the faculty building. They followed the smell and found Deborah’s body buried in a shallow grave. She had severe injuries on her head and her eyes were plucked out. She also had signs of rape on her body.
The students were shocked and outraged by the gruesome murder of their colleague. They staged a peaceful protest to demand justice for Deborah and called for improved security on the campus. They also condemned the slow response of the school authorities and the police to the case.
The school management issued a statement expressing their condolences to Deborah’s family and friends. They also promised to cooperate with the police to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book. They appealed to the students to remain calm and avoid any violent actions that could disrupt academic activities.
The police spokesperson confirmed that they have launched an investigation into the case and have arrested some suspects. He assured that they will leave no stone unturned to unravel the mystery behind Deborah’s death and bring the culprits to justice.
Deborah was described by her classmates as a brilliant and friendly student who had a bright future ahead of her. She was also an active member of the Christian Fellowship on campus. She was 19 years old.
This is a tragic and heartbreaking news that has shaken the entire FUOYE community and beyond. We pray that God will comfort Deborah’s family and friends and grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. We also hope that justice will be served for Deborah and that such a heinous crime will never happen again in our society. Rest in peace, Deborah.