Students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, have taken matters into their own hands by initiating night patrols to tackle a surge in robbery incidents targeting their off-campus residences.
According to the Student Union Government (SUG) President, Olamilekan Michael, armed robbers struck twice in one week, dispossessing students of phones and other valuables. Despite the university being on break, many students on Industrial Training (IT) and others living off-campus were reportedly affected.
Michael explained that the attackers, often armed with guns and cutlasses, specifically targeted hostels where students were still present. “They don’t just steal — they destroy windows, shoot in the air to instill fear, and demand phones along with their passwords. That’s why we’ve had to introduce self-policing,” he said.
The SUG, in a series of statements signed by Michael and the union’s Public Relations Officer, Ayomide Oyekan, raised alarm over multiple attacks in areas like Accord, Isolu, Zoo, and Oluwo — all densely populated by students. One statement described a robbery on July 9 at two hostels as a “concerning incident,” adding that the union had contacted security agencies to report the cases and request an increased presence in the affected areas.
Barely two days after the first incident, another wave of attacks was recorded in different locations, intensifying students’ fears. “We are deeply troubled by the continued attacks, especially while most students are away for the holiday. Our thoughts go out to those affected physically, mentally, and materially,” the union said.
In response, the union launched a Self-Policing Initiative, calling on students to participate in nightly patrols starting at midnight. “We urge all students to be alert, look out for one another, and join this proactive effort to protect our community,” the statement read.
While local police have occasionally joined the students on patrol, Michael expressed concern over inadequate police manpower. “They responded to the first incident but arrived after the robbers had fled. They’ve been assisting in the patrols in recent days, but their numbers are limited,” he said.
Efforts to get a response from the Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, were unsuccessful as of press time.
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