Armed robbery at Olabisi Onabanjo University’s Ibogun campus has occurred for the second time in less than two weeks, leaving students traumatized and demanding urgent government intervention. On Friday morning, around 1 a.m., seven hooded gunmen stormed student hostels at the College of Engineering, firing sporadically and threatening lives before stealing valuables, including mobile phones and a black Lexus ES 350. The attack lasted approximately two hours, ending around 3 a.m., and affected no fewer than 15 students. The assailants fled the scene without confrontation, leaving behind fear and uncertainty among the student population.
Oluwafemi Aderupatan, President of the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association at the institution, confirmed the incident and expressed deep concern over the recurring violence. He stated that the robbers shot randomly and threatened to kill students during the assault. “They robbed about 15 students of their phones and also went away with a black Lexus ES 350 belonging to one of the students,” Aderupatan said. He emphasized that despite calling the police, officers arrived only after the attackers had escaped, rendering the response ineffective.
Aderupatan criticized the lack of promised security measures, noting that a functional police post and enhanced security architecture were pledged by the police, school management, and community leaders following a similar attack two weeks prior. “We are equally not happy that the police post and robust security architecture… have not become a reality,” he said. He warned that criminals are exploiting the weak security presence in the area, urging for immediate deployment of military or police personnel to deter future attacks.
He specifically appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to step in, stressing that students can no longer endure living in constant fear. The students’ plea underscores growing frustration over repeated security lapses despite assurances from authorities. The incident has reignited concerns about campus safety in Ogun State, particularly in areas bordering rural communities where law enforcement presence is minimal.
Omolola Odutola, spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, confirmed that investigations are underway. “The matter is under investigation and the police are already acting on the information available,” she said. She added that the command takes all security concerns within the Ibogun campus environment seriously and is working to ascertain facts and take necessary action. The police are expected to intensify patrols and coordinate with campus authorities to prevent further attacks.
This latest incident follows a similar armed robbery just over a week earlier, when gunmen assaulted students and stole phones, a vehicle, and other valuables. The pattern of attacks raises alarm over the safety of students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. With no immediate resolution in sight, students, parents, and security agencies are left waiting for decisive action to restore peace and security at the university. The situation highlights the urgent need for sustained security intervention to protect students and ensure a safe learning environment.
Leave a Comment