In a heart-wrenching interview with PUNCH, Omotayo Adekolure, brother of the late Glory Adekolure, a final-year student at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), recounted the tragic events leading to her death and the family's desperate quest for justice. Glory, a promising young woman known for her hard work and dedication, was brutally raped and killed on June 13, 2024, sending shockwaves through her community and beyond.
According to Omotayo, on the fateful day, Glory had left home to work on her project and complete her clearance at UNIBEN, where she had recently finished her final exams. She had also assisted her elder sister at a store within the university campus due to the influx of customers attending a matriculation ceremony. They parted ways around 6:45 pm at the university's main gate, after which attempts to reach Glory on her phone proved unsuccessful.
The family's worry escalated when it became evident that Glory had not returned home by nightfall, contrary to her usual routine. Their worst fears were confirmed the next morning when her body was discovered under a tree near a piggery, not far from where she was last seen. Signs of struggle and evidence of sexual assault further compounded the tragedy.
"We found blood on her private part," Omotayo recounted, describing the gruesome scene where Glory's lifeless body was found. The family immediately alerted authorities and began their agonizing journey seeking justice for their beloved sister and daughter.
Reflecting on the devastating loss, Omotayo emphasized Glory's industrious spirit, noting how she financed a significant portion of her education through freelance makeup jobs. Her dedication had paid off, as she had recently learned she achieved first-class honors in her final exams, a testament to her academic prowess and determination.
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Since the untimely death of their father in 2015, life had been a struggle for the Adekolure family, with their mother supporting them through her food business. Now, with Glory's death, their hardships have deepened, compounded by the quest for justice amidst their grief.
Despite initial police involvement and the arrest of a suspect, Omotayo expressed concerns about the handling of the investigation. He questioned the thoroughness of the probe and the recovery of Glory's missing phone, urging authorities to ensure all leads are pursued to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In response to the tragedy, UNIBEN's administration, including the Vice-Chancellor and faculty members, expressed their condolences and offered support to the grieving family. The Student Union President also condemned the heinous act, reflecting widespread shock and outrage over the incident.
As the family continues to mourn their loss and advocate for justice, they appeal to national and state leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and Governor Godwin Obaseki, to intervene and ensure that those responsible for Glory's death face the full weight of the law. Their plea extends to all Nigerians to reject criminal activities and uphold justice in memory of Glory Adekolure, whose promising future was tragically cut short.
The community, deeply moved by the loss, stands in solidarity with the Adekolure family, demanding justice and accountability in the face of this appalling crime.
