The Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state, has decried the persistent violent robberies targeting students staying off campus.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Union lamented that inspite of reaching out to the police, there has been no tangible improvement.
It said the security situation around student-populated areas in Ile-Ife has deteriorated rapidly over the past few weeks, with over 30 robbery cases recorded in just two weeks, all involving students.
“Behind every case is a student who has been traumatised, brutalised, extorted, and left helpless. Phones are being stolen. Monies are being wiped from students’ bank accounts. Hostels are being broken into in the dead of night. And, even worse, students are being severely injured.
“A particularly brutal case involved a student who was macheted on the head during a robbery attack at his hostel.
“The student is currently in critical condition and receiving treatment in a hospital.
“Hours before this statement was released, four more robberies were reported in three separate locations across the town.
“One student lost her phone. Another had his car stolen, and all the money in his account transferred, leaving him with nothing.
“Despite reaching out to the police after every incident, the response has been inadequate and ineffective.
“We have visited nearby police stations and even the Osun State Criminal Investigation Department. Yet, there has been no tangible improvement,” it stated.
The statement, signed by Secretary General Babatimehin Kinfeosi and President Omoboriowo Isaac, stated that the students are now constantly afraid in their own homes, unsure whether they will be next.
The Union called on the Federal Government, the Osun State Government, and local authorities to move quickly and decisively.
It urged the provision of patrol vehicles for police and Amotekun operatives, increased police presence in student areas, urgent intervention from the Ministries of Education to resolve the issue of on-campus accommodation, and more serious involvement from the university administration to protect students off-campus.
“The OAU Management must engage in active dialogue with relevant authorities to ensure better security for her students and consider tightening security arrangements for student hostels even outside campus,” the Union said.
The Union also issued a clear warning that students would take to the streets, if nothing changes.
