OAU Students Lament Rise in Off-Campus Robberies

Students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, have expressed growing fears over a disturbing wave of violent robberies targeting off-campus student residences in recent weeks.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the university’s Students’ Union warned that insecurity in student-dominated areas of Ile-Ife had escalated dramatically, with more than 30 robbery incidents reported within a two-week period—all involving students.

“Each case represents a student who has suffered trauma, been physically assaulted, robbed, and left in distress,” the statement read.

“Phones are being snatched, bank accounts emptied, and hostels broken into—often at night. Some victims have even sustained serious injuries.”

The union cited a particularly alarming case in which a student was attacked with a machete and is currently in critical condition at a hospital. 

It also noted that four additional robberies occurred just hours before the statement was released, affecting students in three different locations.

“In one case, a student lost her mobile phone. Another was robbed of his car and his bank account was cleared,” the union reported.

Signed by Union President Omoboriowo Isaac and Secretary General Babatimehin Kinfeosi, the statement described a climate of fear among students who no longer feel safe in their homes.

Despite repeated reports to nearby police stations and the Osun State Criminal Investigation Department, the Union says there has been no meaningful response from law enforcement agencies.

“We’ve engaged the police after every attack, but nothing has improved,” the statement said.

The union called on the Federal Government, Osun State authorities, and local leaders to act swiftly. 

It urged increased patrols by police and the Amotekun security outfit, improvements in police logistics, and meaningful involvement from the university administration and Ministries of Education to resolve the lingering issue of inadequate campus accommodation.

“The OAU management must work with security stakeholders to ensure better protection for students living off-campus,” the statement added.

The union also warned that failure to address these concerns could spark mass protests.

“If urgent steps are not taken, we will be forced to demonstrate our dissatisfaction through peaceful protests and other lawful means. Students came here to learn, not to live in fear. We will demand safety with all the strength we have.”

The statement was copied to several high-ranking officials, including President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, the OAU Vice Chancellor, and the Ooni of Ife.

In response, OAU’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Olanrewaju, clarified the university’s position, noting that its security coverage does not extend beyond the campus.

“I’m unaware of any robbery incidents on the university premises,” Olanrewaju said. “But if these attacks are happening outside the campus, then it falls under the jurisdiction of the Nigerian police. The university does not have the manpower to secure areas beyond its boundary.”

He added that many students live in mixed communities with landlords and non-student residents, making it challenging to focus solely on student-related incidents.

“We sympathize deeply with our students, but our ability to act is limited. Security outside the campus is the responsibility of state agencies,” he explained.

Olanrewaju appealed to security authorities to intensify patrols in areas densely populated by students.

Efforts to reach Osun State Police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and messages were not returned.