The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has condemned in the strongest terms the recent armed robbery attacks on its students residing off-campus, describing the incident as unfortunate, barbaric, and unacceptable.
According to a statement released by the university authorities, the disturbing incident occurred on Sunday night, October 20, 2025, at Oreoluwa Hostel, located within Moremi Estate, Ile-Ife, where several students were robbed and assaulted by unidentified armed men.
Details of the Attack
Eyewitness accounts confirmed that the attack happened between 10:35 pm and 11:30 pm, when most students were indoors, studying or resting. Armed with machetes and other dangerous weapons, the assailants reportedly forced their way into rooms, dispossessing students of their valuables such as phones, laptops, and cash.
Tragically, three students were injured during the operation. They were identified as:
| Name | Department | Nature of Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Ogedengbe Emmanuel Oluwafemi | Management and Accounting | Machete cuts |
| Emmanuel Akinribiye | Management and Accounting | Machete cuts |
| Olalekan David Okemiga | Mathematics | Beaten, escaped severe cuts |
The victims were immediately rushed to the university’s Health Centre, where they received urgent medical attention and are said to be responding to treatment.
University Management’s Response
The Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, expressed deep concern over the attack, describing it as “a sad and regrettable incident that must never be repeated.” He commended the swift intervention of student union officials, university medical personnel, and the combined efforts of police divisions from A Division, Ile-Ife, and Oke-Otubu Division, Modakeke, who promptly responded to distress calls.
Prof. Bamire assured parents and guardians that the management is working closely with security agencies to track down the perpetrators and restore safety in all student-populated areas.
“The university will not tolerate any form of criminal activity against our students. We are collaborating with the police to ensure the culprits are apprehended and justice is served,” he stated.
Call for Enhanced Security and Safer Accommodation
In the wake of the incident, the Vice-Chancellor called on the Osun State Government, local authorities, and landlords around Ile-Ife to prioritize security in student residential areas.
He emphasized the urgent need to construct more on-campus hostels so that a larger number of students can live within the university’s controlled and secure environment.
“The safety of our students remains our utmost priority. We appeal to philanthropists, corporate organizations, and government agencies to support the university in building more hostels on campus. This will help reduce students’ exposure to external threats and provide a safer academic environment,” he added.
Student Union Reaction
The OAU Students’ Union also condemned the attack and demanded immediate action from the authorities to prevent future occurrences. In a statement signed by its leadership, the union urged students to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements within and around their hostels.
The union also reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with the university and law enforcement agencies to ensure that students’ lives and properties are protected.
Police Involvement and Investigation
Security sources confirmed that the Osun State Police Command has already commenced investigations into the robbery. Patrols have been intensified around major student residential areas in Ile-Ife and its environs.
The police assured that the attackers will be apprehended and brought to book, while more night patrols will be deployed to curb similar incidents.
Community Reactions
The attack has sparked widespread outrage within the university community and beyond. Many parents and stakeholders have called for improved campus security and a joint task force to monitor student areas.
Residents of Moremi Estate also appealed for better street lighting and more visible police presence in the area, especially during late hours when such attacks are most likely to occur.
A Growing Concern: Off-Campus Security Challenges
The incident at Oreoluwa Hostel has once again brought to light the growing insecurity faced by students living off-campus across Nigerian universities. Many students are forced to seek accommodation outside school premises due to limited hostel spaces on campus, making them vulnerable to criminal elements.
Security analysts say the OAU attack should serve as a wake-up call to both university managements and local authorities to reassess the security architecture surrounding student communities.
OAU’s Assurance to Students and Parents
Prof. Bamire reiterated the university’s determination to ensure that such a disturbing event does not repeat itself, stressing that the welfare and safety of students remain paramount.
“We are deeply pained by this incident, but we assure all parents and guardians that every necessary step is being taken to secure our students. OAU is committed to providing a safe learning environment for everyone,” the Vice-Chancellor assured.
