OAU students raise alarm over incessant robberies

The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has cried out over what it described as a “climate of fear and blood” following a recent wave of armed robberies targeting students within and around the university community.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the SRC demanded urgent intervention from the Osun State Government and security agencies to end what they called “the reign of terror” against Great Ife students.

According to the statement, another attack occurred late Monday night at Oreoluwa Hostel in Moremi Estate, where students were reportedly dispossessed of their gadgets and valuables, with some sustaining injuries.

“This is not an isolated event, it is a continuation of a frightening trend that has persisted for far too long while those responsible for protecting lives and property fold their arms in shameful silence,” the SRC lamented.

The student leaders accused the state government of gross negligence, questioning the use of security funds meant to safeguard residents of Ile-Ife.

“We are not unaware that security votes running into millions every month are being allocated to the Governor of Osun State, who doubles as the Chief Security Officer of the State. Yet, the streets of Ile-Ife remain unsafe, and our students continue to bleed. If these funds are truly being used for security, then where is the security?” the statement queried.

The SRC further called on the Osun State Governor, the Commissioner of Police, and the Divisional Police Officer of Moore Division to take immediate and decisive action to secure students both on and off campus.

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

The union also urged the university management to prioritize the construction of more on-campus hostels, saying the lack of accommodation forces thousands of students to live off-campus where they are vulnerable to attacks.

“Safety cannot be guaranteed when thousands of students are forced to live outside campus due to inadequate accommodation,” the statement added.

While commiserating with the latest victims, the SRC vowed to continue speaking out and organizing until students can “live and learn in peace again.”

“We demand action. We demand protection. We demand justice,” the statement concluded.