Students of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, have shared their experiences following a wave of violent robberies that hit the university community.
They said the siege affected over 100 students across 32 hostels located outside the school.
Several students who spoke to Daily Trust recounted how the attackers, armed with cutlasses and other weapons, stormed private hostels in coordinated raids, especially during the recent Sallah break.
One 200-level student said the attacks began gradually before the holidays and also when many students travelled home.
According to him, robbers raided 15 hostels in one instance in a single night, stealing money, gadgets, and other valuables. Some students sustained injuries while trying to resist the robbers, the students who simply gave his name as Zee said.
“They came in groups and were fully armed. When neighbours tried to intervene, they were chased away. It was terrifying,” he added.
Another student and a member of the school’s Student Union Government, who confided in our correspondent, described the latest attack as the worst they had ever experienced.
He confirmed that 32 hostels were burgled, with over 100 students affected. “It’s been happening before, but not to this scale. This time, it was massive. Some students were injured and many cannot even be reached on phone now. Exams are around the corner, and this is making it difficult for us to focus,” he added.
While some students confirmed past incidents of rape, they noted that the recent wave of attacks was mainly about armed robbery and physical assault.
The student union and university management had made efforts in the past to tackle the insecurity but students say the situation has overwhelmed the local police division in Malete.
Responding to the incident, the university management announced emergency security measures in a statement by the Registrar, Dr Kikelomo Sallee.
The school said a joint patrol team involving the Police, Civil Defence Corps, and local security groups has been deployed around the area.
