Suspected armed men reportedly invaded student residences at the College of Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ibogun campus, in the early hours of Saturday, leaving several students injured and dispossessing them of valuables.
The attackers, said to be about 12 in number, allegedly stormed the area with guns and other weapons, breaking into rooms, assaulting occupants, and carting away items including mobile phones and a vehicle. The stolen car was later abandoned, reportedly after running out of fuel.
Some of the victims were said to have sustained machete wounds during the incident, which has heightened concerns among students over security in the area.
The development comes amid growing complaints by students, who had earlier staged a protest over repeated attacks on their hostels over the past three months.
Confirming the incident, the President of the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association, Oluwafemi Aderupatan, lamented the persistent insecurity affecting students.
“For the past three months now, these hoodlums have continued to disturb us, and we have been going to the police station every day to report their nefarious activities.
“However, for this latest incident, which happened in the early hours of Saturday, the hoodlums were about 12. They came with guns and other weapons.
“They forcefully opened the students’ doors. They packed the students’ phones, necklaces, even beverages—everything. About 10 students were attacked, but in the second hostel, they only stole about six phones.
“The police, DSS operatives, the traditional ruler of the community and the Provost of the college have also come around to assure the students that a lasting solution will be offered. We just want to be safe, and we call on all concerned to rise up and protect innocent students from these criminal activities,” he said.
Reacting to the attack, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, stated that efforts were underway to address the situation.
“The situation is currently being assessed with a view to solving the problem permanently,” he said.
Also confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the state police command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, assured that security agencies had taken action.
“The command is on the matter and investigation is ongoing. Extra deployment has been made to the area,” he said.
