Police respond as OAU students protest rising robbery cases

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The Osun State Police Command has addressed concerns raised by the Student Union Government of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, over the increasing number of robbery cases in off-campus areas where students reside.

According to a statement released on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, representatives from the student body and the university administration met with the Area Commander of the Ile-Ife Police Division on Thursday to discuss the ongoing security challenges impacting students in various neighborhoods around the town.

After thorough discussions regarding the state of security, the Area Commander outlined several measures that will be implemented, including the deployment of tactical police units, coordination with local vigilantes and security personnel, and the establishment of protocols aimed at preventing the harassment of students during enforcement operations.

Ojelabi stated that the Area Commander assured, “While the tactical officers will have to conduct comprehensive stop-and-search operations, they have been given strict instructions not to harass students or demand items such as driver’s licenses, as that is beyond their jurisdiction.

“Any officer found harassing a student should be promptly reported for immediate action.”

He also advised students to remain vigilant, report any suspicious movements or activities to the appropriate authorities, and prioritise their safety at all times.

“Students are implored not to be intimidated by the presence of policemen around their residential areas but are advised to cooperate with them to achieve the common goal,” he concluded.

The Student Union reported more than 30 robbery incidents involving students within a two-week period.

They added that students now feel unsafe even within their own homes.

In a press statement signed by President Omoboriowo Isaac and Secretary-General Babatimehin Kinfeosi on Wednesday, the union highlighted a rapid decline in security in student residential areas around Ile-Ife in recent weeks.

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The union also issued a strong warning that if the situation does not improve, students will resort to street protests.

Meanwhile, the administration of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, clarified that it is not responsible for student safety beyond the university campus.

Responding to the Student Union Government’s distress calls about the rise in violent robberies targeting students in off-campus housing, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, stated on Thursday that no robbery incidents have been reported on campus.

He explained that security coverage outside the campus, where many students reside, is beyond the university’s control.

While sympathizing with the students affected, he emphasized that ensuring safety in off-campus areas falls under the jurisdiction of the police, not the university.

The OAU spokesperson also noted that numerous students live alongside local residents and landlords in neighborhoods outside the campus.

He said, “It is the statutory responsibility of security operatives to police everybody, including those on campus. However, any student staying outside campus should be protected and report robbery cases to the Nigerian Police. They are the ones empowered to handle such cases.

“We cannot single out students when an area where they live is robbed. They are our students, and we sympathise with them. But the management is incapacitated to extend security from the campus to those areas. We can only speak on incidents that happen within the campus premises.”

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