By correspondent in Ilorin.
The Victim.
(C). Facebook.
The suspect.
The tragic killing of Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student at the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, has sparked widespread outrage, with influential figures in the state demanding a renewed focus on moral values and a shift away from the dangerous pursuit of quick wealth.
The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, condemned the crime as “barbaric and senseless,” expressing concern over the growing trend of instant wealth obsession among youths.
He emphasized that both the victim and the suspect were young people, calling for urgent value reorientation to curb destructive behaviors.
“The killing, under any circumstance, is inhumane and should be condemned.
“We must ensure justice is served, not only for Hafsoh and her family but for the society at large. This case must send a strong message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated in Kwara,”Danladi-Salihu lamented through his Chief Press Secretary, Sheu Abdulkadir Yusuf.
He also urged parents to take a more active role in shaping their children’s values and called on communities to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities.
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, also condemned the murder, describing it as an “alien act of wickedness.”
The traditional ruler stressed the importance of hard work as the key to success and urged young people to reject false promises of quick riches.
“We must address idleness and reckless behavior among the youth.
“Religious leaders have a duty to guide young people away from fraudsters who prey on them under the guise of spirituality. Imams should use their sermons to promote morality, dignity in labor, and respect for life,”the Emir said.
The Ilorin Women Association (IWA), through its Coordinator, Prof. Aisha Gobir, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, calling it a “shocking and painful tragedy.”
Prof. Gobir emphasized the need for stronger mentorship for young people and urged parents to become more involved in their children’s lives to prevent them from falling into dangerous situations.
She also cautioned youths against oversharing personal information on social media, warning that such exposure could make them vulnerable to exploitation by criminals.
While praising the police for swiftly arresting the suspect, the association called for thorough legal action and extended prayers for Lawal’s soul and strength for her grieving family.
The women concerned encouraged young people to pursue honesty, hard work, and meaningful aspirations in the face of adversity.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
