3 injured in armed robbery at OAU hostel

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

Three students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-ife, were injured during a recent robbery at Oreoluwa Hostel in Moremi Estate, as confirmed by university management.

The attack, which occurred on Monday night, marks the third instance this year that the hostel has been targeted by robbers. The assailants not only stole valuables but also inflicted injuries on the students.

The Students’ Union Government has expressed deep concern over the frequency of these attacks, noting that a student has been missing for over two months. In a joint statement from Union President David Adelani, Public Relations Officer Oreoluwa Olowosile, and Secretary-General Habeeb Isa, they highlighted the growing fears among students regarding their safety.

The statement detailed alarming incidents, including the kidnapping of a student in a student-populated area on Sunday night. “Fortunately, the victim managed to escape during the kidnapping attempt,” the students said.

On the night of the recent robbery, around 11 p.m., armed robbers invaded the hostels, assaulting several students. Two of the injured students were rushed to the University Health Centre for treatment by Students’ Union officers who arrived at the scene before the police.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, praised the swift actions of the Students’ Union in transporting the injured students. The victims, who suffered deep machete cuts, were identified as: Ogedengbe Emmanuel Oluwafemi, a fourth-year student in the Department of Management and Accounting; Emmanuel Akinribiye, also a fourth-year student in the same department; and Olalekan David Okemiga, a final-year student in the Department of Mathematics, who was beaten but did not sustain cuts.

Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Bamire, condemned the violence and thanked the police for their prompt response. He urged law enforcement, particularly the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Security (DSS), to increase patrols around student areas to alleviate fears.

Professor Bamire also called for increased investment in on-campus housing to ensure better safety and monitoring of students. He wished the injured students a speedy recovery and expressed gratitude that their lives were spared during the attack.