There is rising anxiety among students and residents around the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, following a wave of robbery attacks that have thrown the university community into fear. In the past few weeks, several cases of armed invasion, burglary, and violent theft have been recorded in off-campus hostels, leaving many students traumatized and unsafe.
According to reports, over 30 robbery incidents were recorded within a two-week span in areas such as Moremi Estate, Mayfair, and Asherifa, which are popular student residential zones. The attacks, often carried out at night, have led to the loss of valuable items including phones, laptops, and cash, while some victims sustained serious injuries from machete and knife attacks.
Details of the Recent Attacks
One of the most alarming incidents occurred at Oreoluwa Hostel in Moremi Estate, where a group of armed robbers stormed the building in the dead of the night. The assailants, reportedly wielding cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, broke into rooms, dispossessed students of their belongings, and left several injured before escaping.
Students who witnessed the attack described the ordeal as terrifying. Many said they were forced to hide under their beds or inside wardrobes while the robbers looted the hostel. The level of coordination and brazenness displayed by the attackers has further heightened fears of insecurity around OAU’s host communities.
Students’ Leaders Raise Alarm
The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) of Obafemi Awolowo University has expressed deep concern over the worsening situation, describing it as a “climate of fear and blood.” The council disclosed that within just two weeks, reports of attacks and robberies have become almost a daily occurrence, especially in areas heavily populated by students.
The SRC urged both the Osun State Government and security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to safeguard students’ lives and property. They called for:
- Increased police patrols in student-dominated areas.
- Deployment of the Amotekun Corps for community-based surveillance.
- Improved street lighting to discourage night-time attacks.
- Creation of a dedicated emergency hotline for students to report incidents promptly.
The student leaders also emphasized that continued inaction could force students to take to the streets in protest, as many now live in constant fear of being the next victims.
University Management Reacts
Reacting to the rising insecurity, the OAU management clarified that most of the affected hostels are privately owned and situated off-campus, making them outside the direct jurisdiction of the university’s internal security system. However, the administration assured that it is working closely with law enforcement agencies and community leaders to find a sustainable solution.
A top university official noted that OAU’s internal security has been strengthened within the campus, but acknowledged that the safety of students living off-campus requires a collective approach involving the state government, landlords, and local vigilante groups.
Security Experts Point to Root Causes
Security analysts have linked the surge in robberies to poor lighting, overgrown bushes, and inadequate police patrols around student-populated neighborhoods. According to them, the lack of visible security presence gives criminals the confidence to operate freely at night.
They also noted that as the cost of living rises and economic hardship bites harder, some individuals resort to crime as a means of survival — a dangerous trend that can only be curbed through proactive community policing and government intervention.
Impact on Students’ Mental and Academic Well-being
Beyond the physical danger, the spate of robberies has deeply affected the mental health and academic concentration of students. Many have expressed fear of returning to their hostels after evening lectures, while others are considering relocating despite high accommodation costs.
Some students lamented that their final year projects and academic materials were lost during the attacks, with laptops containing months of research work stolen. Others said the trauma of the night raids has made it difficult to sleep peacefully or study effectively.
Calls for Immediate Government Action
Civil society organizations and parents of OAU students have also joined in calling on the Osun State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and local security operatives to act swiftly. They urged that visible patrols be intensified, bushes cleared, and security checkpoints set up around Moremi, Mayfair, Asherifa, and other high-risk areas.
Many are also advocating for the installation of solar-powered streetlights, the reactivation of community vigilante groups, and the creation of a joint security task force comprising police, Amotekun, and campus security personnel.
Safety Tips for Students and Residents
While awaiting stronger government intervention, experts have advised students and residents around OAU to take precautionary measures to reduce their exposure to danger. Some of the safety recommendations include:
- Avoid walking alone late at night; always move in groups.
- Keep valuables out of sight and secure doors and windows properly.
- Choose hostels with security guards and functional gates.
- Report suspicious movements to nearby police or vigilante units.
- Form neighborhood safety groups to share information and alert others during emergencies.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
The recent wave of robberies around OAU serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for collective action to protect students and residents. While the university may not have full control over off-campus hostels, it remains a moral obligation for all stakeholders — including government agencies, community leaders, landlords, and students — to collaborate in restoring peace and safety to Ile-Ife.
As fear and uncertainty continue to grip students, the call for stronger security measures grows louder. The time to act, many believe, is now — before the situation escalates into a full-blown crisis that disrupts academic life and endangers even more lives.
