Students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, have taken up self-policing initiatives in response to a disturbing increase in armed robbery incidents targeting students residing off-campus. The university is currently on holiday, leaving only a few students on Industrial Training or those who live permanently in the area. According to Olamilekan Michael, the president of the Student Union Government (SUG), suspected robbers armed with guns and cutlasses have repeatedly attacked student lodges, looting personal belongings and intimidating residents.
Despite the low student population on campus, robbers continue to target occupied hostels, confirming that they avoid empty rooms and instead focus on students still residing in the area. Michael explained that the assailants often fire gunshots to scare the students into submission before collecting valuables such as mobile phones and even demanding passwords. This escalation has led the students to initiate a nightly self-policing routine in an effort to fill the security gap and protect themselves from further harm.
In a series of official statements, the SUG chronicled two separate robbery incidents that occurred within 48 hours. The first happened on July 9 at the Accord and Isolu hostels, followed closely by another attack at the Zoo and Oluwo areas. These repeated incidents have not only disrupted the lives of students but have also deepened fears and anxiety within the university community. The SUG expressed deep concern for the emotional and physical wellbeing of the affected students and extended their condolences and solidarity.
To combat the growing threat, the Student Union announced the launch of a Self-Policing Initiative. This movement involves students volunteering to participate in midnight patrols to deter criminals and restore a sense of safety within their residential areas. The initiative calls on students to remain vigilant and support one another as a united front against the ongoing criminal activity. It reflects a growing frustration among the student body over the perceived slow response of security agencies.
Although police have occasionally joined in the patrols, their intervention appears limited due to staffing constraints. Michael confirmed that law enforcement responded to the initial incidents but often arrived after the robbers had fled. The SUG continues to appeal to relevant security authorities to increase surveillance and manpower in student-dominated areas. As of the time of reporting, no official response had been received from the Ogun State Police spokesperson, further compounding the students’ reliance on self-defense measures.
