In recent times, Ile Ife has been plagued by cases of kidnapping and alleged kidnapping incidents. After the night of Wednesday, August 6, Dorcas Oseghale, a part 3 student of the Department of Chemistry, was reported missing. Dorcas reportedly went to get food around Maintenance. For the past two weeks, nothing has been heard from her since that time. The case of Dorcas is just one among numerous instances of alleged kidnappings. Some students residing around the Maintenance and Oduduwa Estate areas have indicated that there appear to be certain individuals perpetrating these crimes.
The current wave of kidnappings in Ife is not the first attempt at security breaches in the area. A few months ago, student hostels around Ife were being robbed. On April 9, 2025, it was reported that a violent robbery took place at Moremi Estate, where intruders broke into student hostels and stole valuables. A week later, another robbery occurred near Urban Day Secondary School in Mayfair, with the robbers escaping despite police intervention. Shortly thereafter, Moremi Estate experienced another robbery that received little attention due to swift action. However, on May 19, a serious incident left a fourth-year student from the Department of Materials Science severely injured after being attacked with a machete. Fortunately, he survived.
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On May 28, the Modomo area also reported a robbery involving the theft of a car and other valuables. These robberies occurred continuously, and some victims reported that the perpetrators were armed individuals. The current incidents of kidnapping in Ile Ife can be attributed, in part, to the fact that criminals have recently been evading capture.
A Need for Swift Action
At the moment, it might seem as though everything is relatively calm, but if care is not taken, Ile Ife might become a town notorious for crime and misfortune. It is understood that regarding the matter of Dorcas, the management of Obafemi Awolowo University and the Great Ife Students’ Union have taken measures, such as involving the police; however, more action is needed at this time.
The Great Ife Students’ Union, in its last statement on Sunday, August 18, regarding the rampant attempts at kidnapping off campus, explained that immediate steps are being taken in collaboration with management, local security agencies, and community stakeholders to intensify surveillance and patrols around student-populated areas.
In the statement, the Students’ Union also advised students to avoid late-night movements, stay away from isolated paths, move in groups while off campus, and utilise the emergency lines provided by the union and security agencies, among other recommendations. Additionally, the Transport Management Commission of the Students’ Union, in a release on Monday, August 19, stated that they are engaging with the leadership of Sabo-Lagere bus drivers to ensure that their buses remain safe for students. The commission also advised students to report any suspicious activities in their surroundings.
Proactive measures need to be adopted. Students are scared and uncertain about what will happen next. This is not a time for press releases; it is a time for actions that will foster positive change. Inhumane activities like this cannot be allowed to flourish.
The University Management and the Students’ Union must extend their attention and support to all student-resident areas off campus. Attention should not be limited to areas already noted for attempted kidnappings, but should encompass all areas to ensure a comprehensive approach to student welfare and safety.
In addition, both the Osun State government and the federal government must address this matter to prevent its escalation. The Osun State government should prioritise the security of the state and recognize that safety within any environment is not merely a topic for discussion but an essential requirement. Ensuring a secure atmosphere is fundamental to fostering a conducive learning environment for all students.
Furthermore, it is imperative for stakeholders at various levels—educational institutions, local communities, law enforcement agencies, and governmental bodies—to collaborate in examining the current security challenges that pose significant threats to students. This collective effort will not only enhance safety measures but also promote a culture of vigilance and proactive intervention and all of these will ultimately lead to the safeguarding of the well-being of students and the broader community.