The environs of Ile-Ife have been encountering robbery incidents, a situation which resulted in the loss of several properties and left students emotionally distressed.
On April 9th, 2025, the Association of Campus Journalists, OAU, reported a robbery incident that took place at Moremi Estate. According to reports, the intruders violently broke into some students’ hostels and carted away valuables. However, the situation did not end there. Just a week after the Moremi robbery, students residing near Urban Day Secondary School in Mayfair reported another robbery in the area around 9 p.m. Although policemen intervened, the robbers reportedly escaped.
A few weeks later, Moremi Estate experienced yet another robbery. This incident did not gain much attention, possibly due to swift intervention. Then, on May 19th, the estate witnessed another armed robbery that nearly claimed the life of a Part 4 student in the Department of Material Science. A photo of the student, shared on WhatsApp, showed he had been macheted on his head and was bleeding severely. Fortunately, his life was spared.
Armed Robbers Invade Moremi Estate, Attack Residents
On May 28th, the Modomo area of Ile-Ife also experienced a robbery incident, where it was reported that the invaders carted away a car, phones and other valuables.
The Devastating Impact on Students
Each of these robbery incidents has severely affected students, particularly those living off-campus. Many lost valuable possessions such as laptops, phones, food, and other personal items. More concerning is the emotional toll—many students remain traumatized, living in fear of future attacks.
The persistent insecurity continues to threaten the lives and properties of students living in Moremi Estate and other areas. Despite the presence of a lockable gate, one of the popular student residential areas, Moremi estate, has become a repeated target for robbers in recent weeks. Students often voice their concerns, but no meaningful action has been taken, and the robberies persist.
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Underlying Causes and Vulnerabilities
One suspected reason for the recurring attacks is the presence of tall, dense bushes surrounding Moremi Estate. These bushes may provide cover for intruders during the day, allowing them to hide and carry out attacks at night. Despite efforts to lock the gates at night, similar to practices in Omole Estate and Oduduwa Estate, it is suspected that robbers might be gaining access during the day when security is more relaxed.
Another concern is the lack of nighttime security. Moremi Estate serves as a passage to areas like Modakeke, Asherifa, Mayfair, and Oke Ola, and these strategic locations may be aiding the intruders’ escape routes. Additionally, unoccupied or dilapidated buildings nearby may serve as hideouts, enabling robbers to wait until nightfall before striking.
Call for Intervention
There is an urgent need for a lasting solution to the insecurity plaguing these student communities. Overgrown bushes must be cleared, and security personnel should be stationed at critical points, especially entrances to off-campus student accommodations.
While the Students’ Union is making efforts to improve student welfare, their focus appears to be limited to those residing on campus. The Union needs to extend its attention and support to off-campus students who are equally vulnerable. This attention should not be limited to areas already attacked by the armed robbers, but others.
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Moreover, if students are doing their best to safeguard themselves, the university administration should also not remain passive; the university management must step in to address this long-standing issue. This insecurity is partly a result of the inadequate on-campus accommodation that forces students to live in high-risk areas around Ile-Ife.
This is a call to the Osun State Government to intervene and address the growing security concerns in student-populated areas. With proper support and infrastructure, the safety and quality of life for students living off-campus can be significantly improved.
While the next target of armed robbers remains unpredictable, proactive measures must be taken now to prevent further tragedies. Remember a saying that goes, “Only the living can go to school.”