Cultism or Robbery: Students Union Raises Security Alert over Campus Safety

By
         Ijeoma Anele & Ezekiel Ogunniyi

Fear grips the hearts of students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, following a reported cult-like intimidation and robbery incident involving students of the Faculty of Agriculture, which occurred earlier today, Thursday, January 7.

Sequel to a statement released by the Agricultural Extension Student Society of Nigeria, OAU Chapter, it was stated that five students of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development (AESSON), while conducting their academic exercise which involved insect collection, at Alex Duduyemi around 5 p.m. were accosted by an unidentified individual. 

According to AESSON’s release, these unidentified individuals accused the students of wearing cult related beads, despite the explanation, the situation allegedly escalated as they forcefully compelled the students to kneel under threat.

One of the students was reportedly slapped, while all their mobile phones were collected. In addition, one student was said to have been abducted and forced onto a bike alongside the seized phones. The incident which was reported that occurred in broad daylight lasted less than thirty minutes.
AESSON described the incident as a blatant security failure and a violation of students’ rights within the campus environment expected to guarantee safety and learning as always.

Meanwhile, AESSON strongly condemned the act, describing it as cult-like intimidation and violence, and demanded instant intervention from the Great Ife Students’ Union. Among their demands were decisive disciplinary and legal actions against the perpetrators, stronger measures against cult related harassment, and increased vigilance among students.

Similarly, the Great Ife Students’ Union issued a security alert later in the evening, following the report of four robbery incidents involving students, three within the campus and one around the Maintenance area. The Union described the acts as unacceptable and assured students that it was working closely with the University Security Unit and relevant law enforcement agencies to restore safety and bring the perpetrators to account. 

Speaking on safety precautions, the Union advised students to avoid walking alone, especially at night or in poorly lit areas, remain alert to their surroundings, and promptly report suspicious activities. It also disclosed that an emergency response line dedicated to student distress cases was being finalized, while interim emergency contacts were provided, which one is for the Welfare Officer, 07069148992 and the other for the Secretary General, 08061166277

Both AESSON and the Great Ife Students’ Union emphasized that there's a need for collective vigilance and accountability, reiterating that violence, intimidation, and criminal activities have no place within the OAU campus as they called for justice swiftly and reinforced the message that the safety and dignity of every Great Ife student must remain a priority.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SPECIAL REPORT: Inside UI and OAU Public Hostels

By
Image
By The Icons Organization and Indy Press  For Deborah, a 100-level student and resident of Obafemi Awolowo Hall of residence, University of Ibadan, staying in her hall of residence was a choice she made because she was in her first year of study. She believed this choice was the safest way to get familiar with the school and its environment. Posi, another student, on the other hand, resides in a school hostel due to proximity. “I stay in Obafemi Awolowo Hall of Residence because of its proximity to classes; the fact that it is cheaper, it is less stressful than house hunting, and much safer than staying outside school,” Posi explained.  Posi's reason for staying in Obafemi Awolowo Hall is the same as that of many students who find themselves in public hostels — it is often cheaper and closer to school. This goes to show just how important hostel accommodation is for students in any university, as it affects both their academics and overall wellbeing.  Unfortun...
Read more

"Help Save Regina": Department of English Seeks Financial Support For Regina In Need of a Kidney Transplant

By
Image
By Taiwo Oyedeji  Regina Abosede Babalola, a first-year student from the Department of English at OAU, has recently been diagnosed with a severe kidney disease. Her condition has been described as critical, and she is currently admitted to Purplemed Kidney Centre in Ibadan. According to a voice note Regina sent to her brother, Joel Boluwatife Babalola, on May 20, the illness began with her vision becoming blurred and difficulty seeing, which prompted her to visit the Health Centre. After a check-up conducted at the Pharmacy, it was discovered that she had high blood pressure. In an interview, Joel shared how Regina's condition has rapidly worsened since then, as she has been in and out of hospitals, including Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Seventh Day Adventist Hospital in Ile-Ife, and is now currently admitted to Purplemed Kidney Centre in Ibadan. READ ALSO: Law Students Organise Awareness Walk to Raise Funds for Colleague's Urgent H...
Read more

Manifesto Review: A Scorecard on the Students' Union President's Achievements and Unfulfilled Promises

By
Image
By Joy Oludele, Eniola Adeyeye and Israel Bakare  Before assuming the office of Students' Union President, Omoboriowo Damilola Isaac, the President of the Great Ife Students' Union, made a series of promises aimed at improving students' lives and addressing pressing campus concerns. These commitments formed the foundation of the campaign manifesto that earned him support from the student body. However, as the term progressed, many of these promises remained unfulfilled, raising questions about leadership effectiveness, planning, and accountability. The fact that the current President as the head of the Central Executives Council (CEC) has achieved some laudable feats cannot be overlooked. Back in August 2024, the Students' Union executives opposed the bus drivers who wanted to increase the bus fares from ₦150 to ₦200. For a while, the Students' Union provided buses to convey students for ₦100. In addition, the President has facilitated the construction o...
Read more