By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
Students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, have raised urgent concerns about the increasing wave of armed robberies targeting their community, especially in off-campus hostels.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Great Ife Students’ Representative Council (SRC), the union expressed alarm over the worsening security situation that has turned the once peaceful student environment into one overshadowed by fear and uncertainty.
The SRC highlighted the most recent attack on Monday night at Oreoluwa Hostel, Moremi Estate, where several students were reportedly assaulted, injured, and robbed of their belongings.
“This is not an isolated incident but part of a frightening trend that has persisted for far too long while those responsible for our protection remain silent,” the statement read.
The union criticised the apparent inaction of both security agencies and the Osun State Government, questioning the effectiveness of the substantial security funds allocated to the state every month.
“If these funds are truly meant for security, then where is the protection?” the SRC asked, calling the situation a “wake-up call to conscience and responsibility.”
The students emphasised that their safety is a right—not a privilege—and demanded urgent intervention.
Describing the current atmosphere as a reign of terror that has left many traumatised and feeling unsafe, the SRC urged the university management to prioritise building more on-campus hostels to bring students back within safer campus grounds.
“The long-term solution lies in reducing the number of students living off-campus, where safety cannot be guaranteed,” the union concluded.