Students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo state have expressed deep concern over the increasing wave of robberies on and around the campus, calling on the university management, the traditional ruler of Ogbomoso, and the Governor of Oyo State to urgently intervene and ensure the safety of students’ lives and properties.
In the past few months, students have been victims of repeated attacks by armed robbers, especially during late hours. These incidents have left students traumatized and fearful, prompting a wave of protests and petitions across various student groups.
Many students have reported losing valuable personal items, including laptops, mobile phones, and money, with some even suffering physical harm in the process.
A group of students, who preferred to remain anonymous for safety reasons spoke with ECLAT MEDIA and shared their frustrations with the growing insecurity.
“We no longer feel safe on campus or even in the surrounding communities. These robberies have become too frequent, and it seems as though nothing is being done to address the problem,” one student said.
The recent robberies have raised concerns about the university’s ability to provide adequate security, particularly in areas surrounding the campus where students reside off-campus.
The students have pointed out that most of the attacks occur late at night, when many students are returning from lectures, extra-curricular activities, or study sessions.
“The Lautech Students’ Union Government has been dissolved for several years, which has significantly hindered the ability of students to effectively advocate for their welfare. This dissolution has left the student body without a formal platform to address crucial issues, particularly the recent cases of robbery that have plagued the campus.
Without an active and organized union, students have struggled to raise their voices or mobilize for collective action to tackle these pressing safety concerns. The absence of a functioning union government has created a power vacuum, making it difficult for the students to unite and demand making it difficult for the students to unite and demand necessary changes from the administration or relevant authorities” a student added
The students have called on the university management to take immediate action by enhancing security measures on campus, including the installation of more streetlights, CCTV cameras, and the recruitment of additional security personnel.
In addition, they have urged the Soun of Ogbomoso land Oba Ghandi Olaoye Afolabi Orumogege III and the Oyo State government to collaborate in improving security in the area, given the prominence of LAUTECH in the state and its large student population.
“We appeal to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to prioritize the safety of students. Ogbomoso cannot continue to be a hotspot for crime. We need urgent action to curb this menace before we lose more students to robbery or worse,” said another student representative.
While the university management has acknowledged the concerns and assured the students of their commitment to improving security, many students feel that the response has been too slow and ineffective.
The students are now urging both the management and local authorities to work together to address the root causes of these robberies, improve law enforcement, and create a safer environment for all.
As the situation continues to escalate, the calls for action grow louder, with many students demanding immediate measures to safeguard their well-being.
They hope that with collective effort from all stakeholders, the insecurity currently plaguing LAUTECH can be brought under control, and students can continue their education without the constant fear of becoming victims of robbery.
In the meantime, the students remain on edge, anxiously waiting for the response from the university, local authorities, and the state government. Their safety hangs in the balance, as the fight for a secure learning environment continues.
It’s so disappointing that no solution provided yet