The usually peaceful town of Malete, home to Kwara State University (KWASU), has been thrown into chaos following a terrifying wave of armed robberies targeting off-campus student hostels. Over 100 students have been affected, with robbers raiding at least 32 hostels in coordinated attacks that have left the academic community shaken.
Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of fear and helplessness as armed men, some wielding cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, stormed private hostels in large groups.
The attacks, which began gradually before the Sallah holiday, reached a peak during the break when many students had travelled home, leaving their rooms and belongings vulnerable.
One 200-level student, Zee, shared his harrowing experience:
“They came in groups and were fully armed. When neighbours tried to intervene, they were chased away. It was terrifying.”
Zee explained that in just one night, robbers raided 15 hostels, stealing money, phones, laptops, and other valuables. “Some students were injured while trying to resist them. We are all scared for our lives,” he added.
Student Union Leader: “This Is the Worst We’ve Ever Seen”
A member of the school’s Student Union Government, who asked to remain anonymous, described the latest attack as unprecedented.
“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 said.
While students confirmed that past incidents sometimes involved rape, the recent wave has mainly been about armed robbery and physical assault.
The frequency and boldness of the attacks have left many students feeling unsafe, especially with the upcoming examination period. “We are not safe in our own hostels. We need urgent help,” said another student, visibly shaken.
The local police division in Malete has reportedly been overwhelmed by the scale and frequency of the attacks. Students and the student union have called for more robust security measures and a greater police presence in the area.
“We have reported these incidents before, but the robbers are getting bolder. We need the government and the university to act fast,” said a student leader.
University Management Responds with Emergency Measures
In a swift response, the university management, through a statement by the Registrar, Dr. Kikelomo Sallee, announced a series of emergency security measures:
Joint patrols by the Police, Civil Defence Corps, and local security groups have been deployed around the area.
Commercial motorcycles are banned from operating after 10pm.
All commercial activities and general movement must stop by 11pm.
Generator sets must be switched off by midnight.
Night parties are prohibited until further notice.
Additionally, the university and local authorities have agreed to form a Joint Security Committee, mandate private hostels to engage security personnel, and deploy extra trained vigilantes to support formal security efforts.
Community and Students Call for Lasting Solutions
Despite these measures, students and community members are calling for more permanent solutions to the security challenges.
“We want to feel safe in our hostels. The university and government must do more to protect us,” said another student.
Local leaders and parents have also expressed concern, urging the authorities to take decisive action to restore peace and order in Malete.
“Our children are not safe. We cannot afford to lose any more students to these criminals,” said a concerned parent.
With examinations approaching, the attacks have disrupted the academic environment. Many students are struggling to concentrate, and some have even considered leaving the university due to the constant threat to their safety.
“How can we study when we are afraid of being attacked at any moment?” asked a final-year student.
Quote of the Day
“The safety of our students is non-negotiable. We are working round the clock with security agencies to restore peace and ensure that our students can live and learn without fear.”
— Dr. Kikelomo Sallee, Registrar, Kwara State University
The recent attacks have highlighted the urgent need for improved security infrastructure and stronger collaboration between the university, community, and law enforcement agencies. As students prepare for their exams, their safety remains a top concern for all stakeholders.
