Students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, are raising serious concerns over an alarming increase in violent robberies affecting those residing off-campus.
In a statement released by the Students’ Union on Wednesday, the Union described the worsening security situation as deeply troubling, revealing that more than 30 students have fallen victim to attacks within the span of two weeks.
“Each incident leaves behind a student who has suffered trauma—some beaten, some robbed, some left with nothing. Belongings such as mobile phones and money are routinely stolen, and hostels are being broken into during the night. In many cases, victims are physically harmed,” the Union said.
One particularly brutal attack involved a student who sustained a machete wound to the head and is currently receiving critical medical care.
The union added that just hours before the release of the statement, four more robberies occurred in different parts of the town. One victim reportedly lost her phone, while another had his car stolen and his bank account emptied.
Signed by Union President Omoboriowo Isaac and Secretary-General Babatimehin Kinfeosi, the statement painted a grim picture of students living in fear.
“Many now sleep with one eye open, constantly worried they could be next,” it read.
Despite repeated complaints to local police stations and the Osun State CID, the Union noted that there has been no significant progress in curbing the attacks.
“We’ve taken the matter to law enforcement agencies multiple times, but the response has fallen short,” the Union said.
They called on the Federal Government, the Osun State Government, and local authorities to take urgent steps, including providing more patrol vehicles, boosting police presence in student-dominated areas, and resolving the long-standing issue of inadequate on-campus housing.
The Union further urged the university’s management to engage more directly with relevant authorities and improve off-campus safety for students.
“If nothing is done soon, we will have no choice but to take to the streets in peaceful protest,” the statement warned.
“We didn’t come here to be hunted or harmed. We demand protection and immediate intervention.”
The appeal was addressed to key figures including President Bola Tinubu, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Inspector General of Police, the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, and the Ooni of Ife.
Meanwhile, the university’s spokesperson, Mr. Abiodun Olanrewaju, responded by clarifying that the school is only responsible for security within its premises.
“We are not aware of any robbery incidents on campus. If students are attacked outside the university grounds, that’s beyond the jurisdiction of the institution’s security,” Olanrewaju explained.
He said it is the responsibility of the police to protect all citizens, including students residing off-campus. While expressing sympathy for the affected students, he stressed that the university lacks the resources to extend security coverage beyond the campus.
“I appeal to the police and other security agencies to step up patrols in areas where students are concentrated,” he added.
Attempts to reach Osun Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.
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