Students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, are living in fear following a surge of armed robbery attacks targeting off-campus hostels, especially in the Moremi Estate and Mayfair areas.

According to the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), no fewer than 30 robbery incidents have been recorded in the past two weeks, with victims reporting having lost phones, laptops, and cash, with several students sustaining machete and knife injuries.

One of the most recent attacks occurred late Monday night at Oreoluwa Hostel, Moremi Estate, where armed men invaded the premises, dispossessed students of valuables, and left some injured.

On social media, students expressed frustration and fear. One user, @jeff_Okhai, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “We students of OAU need help. Thieves are robbing Moremi Estate now and then, hurting students and stealing belongings!” Another lamented, “OAU students are now prey for armed robbers in ways never experienced before.”

In a statement released on Tuesday, the SRC described the situation as “a climate of fear and blood,” urging the Osun State Government, security agencies, and the university management to act immediately, calling for intensified police patrols, deployment of Amotekun operatives, and the creation of an emergency line for students.

While the OAU management acknowledged the rising insecurity, it maintained that its jurisdiction ends at the campus perimeter, noting that most affected areas are privately owned hostels off-campus.

Students, however, insist the administration must take responsibility by providing more on-campus accommodation and partnering with state authorities to protect lives.

Security analysts have linked the attacks to poor lighting, overgrown bushes, and inadequate police patrols in student-populated neighborhoods.

The OAU students’ union has warned that if urgent action is not taken, they may embark on mass protests to draw attention to the crisis.

“Our safety must no longer be treated as a favour — it is our right,” the SRC declared.

The Osun State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement as investigations continue. (Daily Independent)

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