July 10, 1999, at Obafemi Awolowo University, Black Axe brutally murdered George Iwilade (Afrika) and four others in cold blood.
George Iwilade, a.k.a "Afrika" 21-year-old, 300-level Law student and Secretary-General of the Student Union was a fearless, brilliant student and easily recognized for his traditional attire.
He openly fought against cultism on campus.
Afrika led the raid in school were Black axe was gathering, they seized guns, axe, dagger, black clothing and regalia of the Black Axe confraternity.
The nine students were handed to the university authorities and the local police. The suspects were discharged and acquitted by a magistrate court after the evidence mysteriously went missing during the trial.
Then came the revenge:- Friday night, July 9, 1999, thousands of Kegites from other universities across Nigeria gathered at the OAU campus for their festival.
The crowd was massive. There was loud singing, drumming, and palm wine drinking. 40 masked Black Axe members wearing black used this opportunity to enter the campus unnoticed.
By 3-4 a.m, July 10 , They entered the students hostel shouting the names of specific student union leaders, firing guns.
They entered Awolowo hall, Room 273, Block 8, Africa was shot on head in the bed while sleeping and repeatedly cut with an axe, leaving him with no chance of survival.
They searched for the SUG President Lanre Adeleke ("Legacy"), who escaped through the balcony.
Four innocent students were killed, Eviano Ekelemu - a 400-level medical student who met them on the way, Babatunde Oke, Efe Ekpede and Yemi Ajiteru, a graduating student who only returned to campus to clear his carryover.
This is one of the darkest chapters in the history of Nigerian universities which brought the country to a standstill.
Today is 27 years and every July 10, students, alumni, and civil society groups organize candlelight processions, symposiums, and remembrance marches for the OAU 5.
George Iwilade "Afrika" lost his life but his story continues to inspire generations of OAU students.
The 2nd pics is Omoleye Sowore (1st) with Afrika (3rd) during a school protest)
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