For two consecutive weeks, armed robbers have repeatedly invaded off-campus hostels housing students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), carting away valuables in a string of late-night raids that have left many students rattled.
Witnesses report that the break-ins typically occur between midnight and 5 a.m., with minimal intervention from law enforcement agencies. A student, Uwa, explained that these robberies are a yearly occurrence, particularly during the school’s holiday period when only a handful of students remain on campus. “Whenever students go on break, this always happens,” he said. “Right now, most of those left are final-year students. They are the main targets. By the time others return in August, many will find their rooms emptied.”
One student recorded a video after a recent raid in the early hours of Wednesday. In the clip, he describes how the robbers ransacked the hostel and locked him and a roommate in the bathroom. “They took all his phones and his car key. I just hope they do not return for the car,” he said. The Oluwo area, situated near the university, is reportedly the most severely affected, with many hostels lacking adequate security personnel. In response, some students have formed self-organised vigilante groups, keeping watch at night since Saturday. Still, the robberies have continued unabated. Students allege that the police station in Harmony, the nearest to the school, has failed to respond effectively to complaints. “They do not respond. They are inactive,” one said.
Following repeated reports, the Police Public Relations Officer for Ogun State, Omolola Odutola, reportedly told students that the matter had been escalated to the Commissioner of Police and was discussed at the command’s management meeting. She assured them that actions were being taken and that noticeable changes should be expected soon.
