A wave of violent robberies targeting students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has plunged the university community into fear and uncertainty, prompting an urgent distress call from the institution’s Students’ Union. In a detailed press statement released on May 29, 2025, the Union described the escalating security situation in off-campus student residential areas as “terrifying,” with over 30 separate robbery incidents reported in the past two weeks alone. The attacks, characterized by extreme brutality, have left students injured, traumatized, and desperate for immediate intervention from authorities.
The Students’ Union has painted a grim picture of the situation, detailing how armed robbers have specifically targeted students living in hostels and private accommodations around Ile-Ife. These incidents are not mere petty thefts—robbers have wielded dangerous weapons, including machetes, to intimidate and harm their victims. In one particularly harrowing case, a student was viciously attacked and macheted on the head, leaving them in critical condition and fighting for their life in a local hospital. The Union reports that the robbers primarily steal valuable gadgets such as smartphones, laptops, and other electronics, which are essential for students’ academic work, further compounding the impact of these crimes on their education and well-being.
The affected areas, predominantly student-populated neighborhoods surrounding the OAU campus, have become hotspots for these violent crimes, with the frequency and audacity of the attacks increasing alarmingly. The Union’s statement highlights the growing sense of helplessness among students, many of whom now live in constant fear of being targeted. “Our students are no longer safe in their homes,” the statement reads. “The psychological toll of this insecurity is immense, as students can no longer focus on their studies or live without the constant threat of violence.”
In response to the crisis, the Students’ Union has taken a proactive stance, issuing a formal appeal to a range of high-ranking officials, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, the OAU Vice-Chancellor, and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. The Union’s statement is both a plea for help and a warning, emphasizing that the situation demands immediate and decisive action. They have expressed frustration over the lack of response to previous efforts to address the issue, including letters and engagements with local authorities, which have so far yielded no tangible results.
The Union has also made it clear that they are prepared to escalate their actions if the situation is not addressed promptly. “We will not hesitate to mobilize for mass demonstrations or peaceful protests to demand the safety of our students,” the statement asserts. This bold stance reflects the growing urgency and desperation within the student body, as well as their determination to hold authorities accountable for their safety. The Union has called for increased police presence, improved security measures in off-campus areas, and collaborative efforts between the university, local government, and traditional leaders to restore peace and safety.
The crisis has sparked widespread concern on social media platforms, particularly on X, where students, alumni, and concerned citizens have shared posts echoing the Union’s alarm. Many have recounted personal experiences or stories of friends who have fallen victim to these attacks, amplifying the call for urgent intervention. The hashtag #OAUInsecurity has begun trending, with users urging authorities to act swiftly to protect students and prevent further harm.
This is not the first time OAU students have faced security challenges, but the current surge in violent robberies marks a significant escalation in both scale and severity. Ile-Ife, a historic town revered as the cradle of Yoruba civilization, is home to a large student population due to OAU’s prominence as one of Nigeria’s leading universities. However, the town’s proximity to the university has made off-campus student accommodations vulnerable to criminal activities, particularly in areas with limited security infrastructure.
The Students’ Union has emphasized that the safety of students is non-negotiable and that the current crisis threatens not only their physical well-being but also the academic integrity of the university. “A student who fears for their life cannot learn effectively,” the Union noted, underscoring the broader implications of the insecurity on OAU’s reputation as a center of academic excellence.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the response from the authorities. Will President Tinubu, Governor Adeleke, or the Ooni of Ife step in to address this crisis? Will the university administration collaborate with security forces to implement lasting solutions? For now, OAU students remain on edge, awaiting action that will restore their sense of safety and allow them to pursue their education without fear.
The Students’ Union has urged the public to join their call for justice and security, encouraging concerned individuals to amplify their message and pressure authorities to act. As this crisis continues to unfold, the resilience and unity of the OAU student community are being tested, but their determination to demand change remains unwavering.
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