Osun Police Respond To OAU Students Complaint Over Rising Robbery Cases
The Osun State Police Command has responded to complaints from the Student Union Government of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, regarding the rise in robbery incidents in off-campus student residential areas within the town.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the university Students’ Union, in a statement released on Wednesday, raised alarm over what it described as a “security breakdown” in student-populated areas of Ile-Ife, Osun State.
According to the union, no fewer than 30 cases of armed robbery have been recorded in just two weeks, with all victims being students of the institution.
The union demanded immediate intervention from the Federal and Osun State governments to restore security around OAU and its environs.
It called on the Osun State Government, the state police command, and the Ife Central Local Government to provide functional patrol vehicles to security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps.
The union further urged the Nigeria Police Force to deploy more officers and special tactical units to hotspots within the student community.
It also called on the Federal Ministry of Education and its state counterpart to expedite the construction of more hostels on campus to reduce the number of students forced to live in vulnerable off-campus locations.
Reacting, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, in a statement, revealed that the leadership of the Students’ Union and the school management met with the Area Commander of the Ile-Ife Police Division on Thursday to further address the recurring robbery incidents affecting students in various residential areas across Ile-Ife.
He disclosed that, following constructive deliberations on the security situation, the Area Commander communicated the following resolutions and actions: “Deployment of tactical police squads, collaboration with vigilantes and local guards, guidelines to prevent student harassment.”
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.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
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